Heworth ARLC are gearing themselves for a potentially crucial four-pointer on Saturday when they entertain Huddersfield Sharks.

The Sharks' 16-16 draw at home to York Acorn last week lifted them to fourth-bottom in National Conference League division two, three points clear of Heworth albeit having played a game more.

Another good result for the West Yorkshiremen this weekend would leave the Villagers with a mountain to climb if they are to get out of the re-election zone, and Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes admitted this match was crucial.

"It's obviously a big game for us," he said. "They got a draw last week and it's pushed them one more point away from us and it means a win is even more vital to us.

"We beat them quite convincingly away but they've had some interesting results recently."

Another basement battle sees third-bottom Cottingham Tigers entertain bottom club Saddleworth, whose recent form has improved.

Sykes added: "We could still get out of the bottom two if we win and Cottingham lose, but I can't see Saddleworth winning that one although they are playing better of late."

Heworth should be bolstered by the return after suspension of Wayne Foster and they are hopeful Nikki Wilson andplay-makers Brendan Carlyle and Paddy Handley return from injury.

Promotion-seeking York Acorn still have their destiny in their own hands despite last week's draw, but having dropped three points in two games they need to find winning form again if they are to keep pace with the teams around them.

Saturday sees them travel to Widnes St Marie's, who, although still in the bottom half of the table, are currently one of the division's form teams.

Acorn boss Dave Kay said: "We always had this one down as a tough away game - they're always hard to beat on home soil - and it seems recently that, although they haven't won all that many in total, they've gone well in the cup and seem to have turned the corner a bit and hit something of a purple patch."

Kay has new injury worries after last week with back-rower Chris Hopcutt a big doubt and prop Mick Hagan, stand-off Andy Lee and Steve Waldron facing fitness tests tonight. However, prop Lee McTigue should be back available after sitting out last week due to his broken nose.

Title-chasing New Earswick have the chance to go clear at the top of Pennine League division two on Saturday.

The All Blacks already have their destiny in their own hands after results last week provided a boon to their championship challenge and a victory at Crigglestone will lift them two points above second-placed Newsome Panthers, who are in local cup action.

New Earswick will also be keenly following the result at third-placed Kippax Welfare - arguably their biggest challengers for the title despite their loss to Newsome last week - who face another difficult game, against fourth-placed Liversedge.

Al Davidson (knee) is likely to be missing for New Earswick although Rohan Wallace-Hills, Eddie Keeping and Matt Godfrey all return to the squad. New signing Mark Green, who can play at half back or loose forward, could also play after completing his move from Heworth.

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, February 10, 2005