YORK Acorn ARLC's hopes of reaching the fourth round of the GMB Union National Cup have not been helped by last week's postponement.

The Blue and Golds once again face the long trip to Hensingham on Saturday for a fourth-round tie which was put back seven days due to a waterlogged pitch.

But, with some players having had to rearrange work shifts to fit in with the rescheduled journey to deepest Cumbria, the club are having to leave it late to work out an available team.

Joint-boss Paul Lumby said: "The plans have been messed about a bit. That said, it was always going to be tough against a side at the top of the Cumberland League, but we are confident that whatever team we do take we will have the ability to get a result. Sometimes in adversity, teams rise to the occasion."

Acorn, who face in-form National Conference division two rivals Ince Rosebridge in the Challenge Cup next week, are praying there will be no more postponements as they already have a league backlog.

Heworth, who put on a battling display in being knocked out of the National Cup by West Hull last week, revert to Conference division two action at Warrington side Crosfields.

Spokesman Ken Sykes was expecting another tough game against a team seeking promotion, especially as player-coach Chris Smith has aggravated a hamstring injury..

"They're a pretty good side and it will be difficult," said Sykes. "We were all encouraged by the effort shown last week against a side doing well in division one, and it needs to be a similar effort on Saturday."

York Acorn 'A' have a difficult game at home to promotion-seeking Rotherham Roosters in Pennine League division three, while Selby Warriors' top spot in division four is under threat as they have no game while second-placed Littleborough visit lowly Thornton.

York Groves travel to Woodhouse Warriors as firm favourites to claim a division five double against a team who have struggled since gaining promotion last year.

Although the Terriers will travel with confidence after dispatching third-placed West Craven last week, they will be without unavilable captain Jason Dunn and Danny Buy.

However, utility back Paul Marshall, who has been out since the opening match of the season, is fit again after a foot injury and pack ace Julian McBride also returns.

Coach Simon Moat said: "Having Paul back is a massive boost and I'll be looking to his elusive running to cause their defence problems.

"We know Woodhouse will try to intimidate with rough-house tactics, but we have to keep our discipline and let our rugby do the talking. If we keep our composure we have the all-round ability to take the spoils."

Heworth 'A' host Castleford Panthers 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, January 26, 2006