YORK Acorn ARLC begin their first-ever season in National Conference League division one with new boss Eric Fitzsimons refusing to set bold targets.

The Blue and Golds, promoted under departed coach Dave Kay, have boosted their squad with the arrival of former York professionals Leigh Deakin and Lea Tichener and, while Fitzsimons is confident of doing well, he is restricting his aims to the old clich of doing their best in each game.

The former head coach at professional clubs Oldham, Rochdale, Whitehaven and Sheffield admits he is new to this level but says he, and the team, will learn quickly about what is required for another good year at Thanet Road.

"We will know more about what is in front of us in a month or six weeks' time," said Fitzsimons, who travels to York from his Rochdale home.

"I know one or two of these teams and I've seen them once or twice and I know the sort of thing we've got to face, but this first month will still be a bit of a litmus test. However, I'm confident, with the attitude through the team and the way they're working, that we will give any team in this division a run for their money.

"Our aim is to do as well as we can every game."

Acorn have also been boosted by the return of prop Lee McTigue after a lengthy ban and utility back John Hough, plus the recruitment of RAF man Mark Dawson and the rise to prominence of several under-18s.

They kick off their campaign at home to East Leeds (KO 2.30pm) following a good pre-season which has brought victories over premier division side Hull Dockers and local rivals New Earswick.

"The spirit is good," said Fitz-simons. "We need to start games better than we sometimes tended to do. Once you've got momentum going you can keep it going but it's hard to claw things back when you're getting a good hiding off a good team.

"But the win over Hull Dockers was a big positive, even though these are only warm-up games.

"Pre-season has posed some problems but answered some things for me, though there are still some things I will address as the season goes on.

"I do know, however, that we have the basis of a good side for this division."

Acorn's 'A' team, who also won promotion last season, make their debut in Pennine League division three away to fellow promoted side Bank Top Harriers.

Updated: 10:29 Thursday, September 01, 2005