NEW York Acorn ARLC boss Alfie Hill has admitted his first game back in charge is not one he would have chosen.

The Blue and Golds visit West Bowling in National Conference League division one knowing they are in for a difficult assignment against a team hell-bent on getting back in the top tier.

However, Hill - who was installed as head coach this week after a four-year break from the club, including two years in charge at neighbours Heworth - has talked up his side's chances, despite their long injury list, and knows a victory will see his side leapfrog the Bradford foes and potentially go up to third.

He said: "If I had to pick a game, this would not have been it. They're a tough team. They've come down from the premier division and want to go straight back up.

"You've always got to fancy your chances, though. We've shown we're a useful team, even with the injuries. I'd settle for a close win!"

Those injuries amount to about nine players out, who will be joined this week by teenager Davey Burns, though prop Adam Endersby provides a big boost with his return.

Heworth ARLC entertain Conference newcomers Egremont in division two with an increased need for points following the withdrawal from the league of bottom club Featherstone Lions.

As reported by the Press, the Lions held an emergency meeting last week to debate whether to stay in the league following their fall down the divisions and a lack of playing numbers.

And the decision to quit, which sees their results are expunged, means Heworth lose two points while Egremont's defeat to the Lions is crossed off.

The Villagers thus tumble from fourth-bottom to second-bottom, including dropping behind Egremont, a fall which deepens their re-election concerns with the danger zone remaining at two teams rather than reducing to one.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We've lost out a little bit but it's too early to speculate about who will be in the bottom two at the end of the season."

Beating the Cumbrians on Saturday is nevertheless a crucial prerequisite of the Villagers' climb back up the table, though their home form of two wins from the last two stands them in good stead.

Prop Simon Harrison (knee) is set to sit out again and Nikki Wilson (dead leg) is also doubtful.

Kick off is at 2pm, though checks on the weather, relating to the pitch and roads from Cumbria, will begin tomorrow.

Heworth 'A' visit Sherburn in a Yorkshire League division three mid-table battle.

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, November 24, 2005