CUP kings Heworth have a great chance to strike another knockout blow against higher-ranked opposition on Saturday.

The Villagers entertain Rochdale Mayfield in the third round of the GMB Union National Cup (kick-off 2pm) with player-coach Brendan Carlyle confident of getting through, despite his team's lower status.

Mayfield prop up National Conference League division one and, although they have not had the best of seasons, they are effectively five places above division two side Heworth in the rankings.

But among Heworth's cup conquests this season are premier division Ideal Isberg, while they also put up a good show against professionals Batley Bulldogs a fortnight ago.

And Carlyle said: "Judging by the way we played against Batley in the Challenge Cup we could a long way in this competition.

"I don't think a York side have won this National Cup and it would be nice to get to the final. I honestly think we can. The players' commitment has been second to none.

"Mayfield are from a higher division but so were Ideal Isberg and a lot of people did not think we'd win that one."

Heworth will be weakened in the forward battle by injury to unavailabilty of Jason Kane and Jason Gatus, while Nikki Wilson is a doubt. Full-back Rich Darling is also injured.

But Carlyle is not undeterred though. "We played them when we were in their division and we had good games with them. I think this will be another good one," he said.

Meanwhile, Wayne Foster's disciplinary hearing following his sending-off for an alleged head-butt in the match against York Acorn was to be heard today. Foster was to plead his innocence and Carlyle has indicated that the club would appeal if he is banned.

York Acorn face a crucial weekend in their promotion chase.

The Blue and Golds, fourth in the NCL division two table, entertain mid-table Castleford Panthers looking to continue the form shown in their National Cup defeat to the mighty Wath Brow last week.

At the same time, the two teams directly above them in the standings - Crosfields and Milford Marlins - meet each other, and the result there could prove vital as all three teams fight for second spot behind runaway leaders Hunslet Warriors.

Acorn coach Alan Hebblethwaite said: "If we can carry on in the same vain as last week we can expect to win this.

"There were a lot of positives to come out of that match. If we can have the same ball retention and commitment to work for each other we'll do okay."

He added: "The top teams have to play each other. It will be pretty tight at the top and we're hoping to be up there. We're still confident."

Hebblethwaite has no new injury worries stemming from last week, and has been boosted by the news that highly regarded half-back Danny Liddell, who has been out with a broken jaw, could return by the end of the month.

He has also been boosted by the form of up-and-coming teenager Andy Gargan, who has filled that void at half-back. However, another of the under-18 crew, Paul Payne, is set to miss the rest of the season because of the broken fibia sustained against Heworth.

New Earswick spokesman Charles Rollinson is confident the All Blacks can prosper in their basement clash at Brookhouse.

The Wakefield-based side lie just above bottom club All Blacks in Yorkshire League senior and division one but the York outfit have been playing better of late.

Rollinson said: "We've played two good games without the rub of the green but if we start getting that bit of luck we will pick up points."

All Blacks player-coach Simon Baynes, who has gone to Australia for a fortnight, is one of three players unavailable, the others being John Leech and Paul Booth, but Andy Fletcher and Simon Mallarky should return.

Senior players will take charge of the team in Baynes' absence.

York Groves have been forced out of their new South Moor home - but only temporarily.

The Terriers' ground at Huntington is waterlogged so they have moved for the time being to Oaklands Sports Centre, Cornlands Road, Acomb, starting with Saturday's visit of Wetherby, a side they haven't met for several years.

Player-coach Simon Moat has seen his side enjoy mixed fortunes in their first season in the Pennine League but a victory over Wetherby could see them climb to mid-place in division four and he is keen for all players to make themselves available for selection.

He is also anxious to get back into action after the recent postponements but faces a few injury problems, with Rich Needham (knee) out and Rich Pollock facing a late fitness test.

Selby Warriors could jump to fifth in YL division three if results go their way on Saturday. However, they must first beat Dewsbury Moor 'A', who lie one place above them, while fourth-placed York Acorn 'A', who have stuttered of late, must also beat Upton.

Heworth 'A', who have dropped to fourth in division four, visit third-placed Mirfield needing a victory to re-ignite their own promotion hopes. It will be their second table-top clash in succession after losing to Sherburn last week.

Updated: 12:17 Thursday, February 07, 2002