IT'S do or die for York Acorn's promotion hopes on Saturday when National Conference division one leaders West Hull visit Thanet Road.

Coach Alfie Hill said: "They are top of the league and they are keen to get straight back into the premier division but it's a must-win game for us because I don't think we can get in the top four if we lose - it's the last throw of the dice for us."

Gareth Lloyd and James Morrow are still out and Alan Willets is sidelined with a cut knee but returns of Steven Irving, prop Lee McTigue and a first game of the season for centre Carl Palmer should offset the absentees.

Acorn's big game next weekend has been confirmed as a 3pm kick-off on the Sunday at Hull Kingston Rovers' Craven Park - meaning a direct clash with York City Knights' game against Ovenden at The Shay.

It had been hoped the matches would be on different days so fans could lend their support to both York sides.

Heworth's first team have been given the weekend off following their impressive league win over Normanton Knights last weekend.

That leaves Heworth 'A' team coach Lee Clarke in control for their York and District Cup semi-final at New Earswick All Blacks.

And the All Blacks can expect a young team to make the short journey.

Eight under-18s are currently holding their own in the CMS Yorkshire division three side, and they are set to be bolstered by regular ex-first teamer Carl Potter, plus Phil Marwood and Luke Judson have pledged to make themselves available for the second-string.

New Earswick coach Simon Baynes will not risk full-back Steve Perks, who turned an ankle last week, or Al Davidson (hamstring) unless both are 100 per cent fit. Jamie Daniels' shoulder is again causing concern.

He said: "We have held this cup for three years now and we are trying to give it a bit of respectability and raise the standards while some teams stick in their 'A' squads.

"We are very proud that we are the holders but, at the same time, I am not going to risk players. We have got a big enough squad to cope."

But there is another good reason for the All Blacks to give it their best shot.

Up-and-coming 17-year-old Darryl Fogg seriously injured a hand in a bad work accident this week and will be out for a considerable amount of time.

Said Baynes: "It's really upsetting. We're a very close unit at New Earswick and when one of us is injured, we are all inj0ured.

"The least we can do is go out there and win some games for him.

"All the players are really thinking about him and I hope he knows that."

The other semi-final pitches Pennine League division five York Groves against division three York Acorn 'A'.

Groves head into the semi with the luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from after last week's friendly win over York Tigers where 19 players got a run-out.

The Groves have several ex-Acorn members in their ranks to add further spice to the derby, including inspirational scrum-half Dean Kilbride and tough centre Matt Withers.

Coach Simon Moat said: "It's a classic case of nothing to lose for us.

"So we'll go out and do our damnedest to get into the final."

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, March 02, 2006