York Acorn suffered their first home National Conference League division two defeat of the season.

More importantly, their below par 8-17 loss at the hands of a tidy youthful Millom side, who simply did the basics right, was their second defeat in a row after a record-breaking six-match winning start to the campaign.

Acorn - now without inspirational half-back Darren Callaghan, who has signed for Sheffield Eagles - were guilty of poor ball retention and lack of ideas close to the Millom line and the Cumbrians made them pay when winning vital one-on-one tackles at crucial moments.

Acorn fell well below their usual high standards and can't have any qualms about this disappointing outcome against a team notorious for being poor travellers.

The home ranks started brightly enough and two big hits by prop forward Paul Dodsworth left both the Millom second rowers, Alan McKnight and David Dixon, wearily getting to their feet.

Unfortunately this wasn't to be a prelude of things to come and on four minutes the story of the game began to unfold as Millom centre and inspirational captain Paul Evans put over a field goal.

Just six minutes later he was on hand to receive a fine inside ball from his stand-off Graham Lupton to race in from 20 yards.

Lupton had created the chance when easily pushing away a would-be Acorn tackler on the half-way line before racing into open space. Evans added the conversion to give his side a worthy 0-7 lead.

On 24 minutes Acorn managed to cross the Millom line when a high up and under evaded the defence and allowed Acorn full-back Kev Brundett the chance to put winger Alan Willitts over in the corner for a try.

Millom notched a decisive score on 37 minutes when sloppy Acorn tackling allowed their substitute Colin Thompson the opportunity to go over from the acting half role which gave them a decisive, but well-deserved 4-11 lead.

It was thought the first score of the second half would be vital to the outcome of the game and so it was to prove.

Millom's other impressive centre, David Thompson, nipped over in the corner. Evans, his partner in prime form, added a superb touchline conversion as Millom moved into a 4-17 lead.

Acorn knew the writing was on the wall and despite showing improved form over the latter stages, they could only muster a late consolation try from substitute scrum-half Johnny Waldron.

Waldron on 76 minutes showed great speed and agility to round the Millom defence on their tight side and go in for a fine try, but it was too little too late.

Updated: 12:29 Monday, October 15, 2001