YORK Acorn ARLC boss Scott Rhodes was cheered by a much-improved display against Mayfield - but now says maximum points are very much needed.

The Blue and Golds drew 28-28 with the much-fancied Rochdale outfit last week but it was only their first point in three National Conference League division one outings and they remain in the bottom two.

This Saturday, they go to basement team Millom and, while Rhodes acknowledges league standings count for little presently, he says victory is vital as they look to climb into the promotion picture.

“I think our league will be very close this year,” he said. “Top are beating bottom and bottom are beating top. There’s no pattern yet.

“We’re improving slightly. We improved last weekend against a side who have lost one in 18. We played some good stuff and looked better.

“It’s always tough going to Cumbria and play. It’s a long trip and a long day. We’ve got to prepare right.”

Winger Gareth Singleton, a try-scorer last week, is a doubt with a hamstring strain, while Tim Elliott and Jordan Hyde are unable to make the trip. Rhodes will pick his replacements after training tonight.

He added: “There won’t be that many changes and that gives us a bit more stability. In the last few weeks there have been a few changes. We’re looking forward to the game and trying to get that first win.

“It’s important we start picking points up.”

York Acorn ‘A’ meet Oulton Raiders ‘A’ in the semi-final of the Yorkshire Men’s League’s pre-season competition, the Forty-20 Cup.

Acorn finished top of group one on points difference after two wins from their three games.

Heworth have no game in NCL division three, but their ‘A’ team host Leeds Academics in a friendly at Elmpark Way.

New Earswick All Blacks go to Chequerfield Rangers for a quick return match with head coach Jack Stearman warning the hosts will be wanting revenge.

All Blacks, having risen to fourth in the Pennine League championship table, dented third-placed Chequerfield’s promotion hopes with a 29-22 win at White Rose Avenue a fortnight ago.

Stearman said: “It was a bruising encounter last time we played them. They had not conceded a point in four games before our match and we turned them over.

“You got the impression they were looking for revenge straight after the game. But we can only go on a high and with confidence after that last result.”

Stearman is without the unavailable Pete Ritchie and is likely to stick with the youngsters who have impressed in recent weeks. One of them, 19-year-old second-row Reece Blake, was to make his York City Knights under-20s reserves debut last night and will play on Saturday if he comes through unscathed.