A GOLDEN carrot in the shape of a big night out in Manchester may be the real reason behind Acorn's incredible start to life in the National Conference division one.

Coach Eric Fitzsimons has helped direct the promoted side to the top of the table, with a 100 per cent record sparking whispers of a second successive promotion tilt.

But he maintains they are keeping their feet on the ground - apart from a big shindig hovering on the horizon.

He said: "I've promised the lads if they perform well in the first few weeks I would book the hotel for December 10 when we go to (Rochdale) Mayfield and have a night out together."

As for the promotion mutterings, he said: "We don't talk about it. We have to keep our feet on the ground and take it one match at a time."

Weekly goal-setting is one way of keeping players focused and under Fitzsimons tangible targets are set and a small army of statisticians keep a check. Last Saturday's aim was to complete more than half their sets, which they achieved comfortably in hammering Milford. A new goal will be added for Saturday's trip to Ideal Isberg.

Acorn are also looking stronger, fitter and defensively meaner. In a match earlier this season, a staggering 234 tackles were completed - with just four missed.

Fitzsimons has also praised the performances of players at opposite ends of the spectrum, namely York City Knights star Darren Callaghan and the youngsters drafted into the squad.

Former Acorn junior Callaghan scored on his debut back at Thanet Road and was a key man in last week's thrashing.

"It's nice to have a player like that who has come down from the National League," said the coach.

"He's found it hard. There's obviously a bit of a difference. They don't react at the same pace as they do at professional level which has been a bit frustrating for him.

"But it is nice to see someone coming out of the pro' league to play his last few seasons at this level.

"He's a local hero and is good to have around. He's very helpful at training and I'm learning off him."

Teenager Timmy Elliot, meanwhile, was thrown into the starting line-up in place of Michael Fitzsimons, who will be out for six weeks with a fractured jaw, while 16-year-old Davey Burns did well off the bench alongside three other teenagers - Danny Caldwell, Matt Embleton, brother of Mick, and Gary Endersby, brother of Adam - all of whom are in contention again this week.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, September 29, 2005