YORK Acorn ALRC boss Scott Rhodes has warned his troops they will have to pass a "dangerous" test if they are to get into the Challenge Cup third round hat for the fourth time in a decade.

Acorn saw off Sharlston Rovers 36-10 in the first round last weekend and have been drawn at home to little-known Distington in round two on February 13, for the right to meet professional opposition at the next stage.

Rhodes' side - preparing for their return to amateur rugby league's elite tier, the National Conference League premier division - will go into the tie as favourites against a club who have never featured on the fabled road to Wembley before.

But, while he admits knowing hardly anything about the visitors, he does rate the Cumbrian competition - and the fact Distington not only won that but then knocked out Normanton 31-18 last week speaks volumes. Acorn beat Normanton 30-22 in last year's memorable play-off final to win back their premier place.

Said Rhodes: "We know absolutely nothing about them other than they're the Cumbrian champions - but if they're Cumbrian champions then they'll be a dangerous team. That competition is pretty good up there.

"They showed that by beating Normanton at Normanton.

"It's hard to tell how much to read into that as it's so early in the season - early in pre-season even.

"But Normanton are a good team as they showed last year, so to win there is no mean feat.

"It's a home draw, though, and that's all you can ask for in the cup.

"We had a great record at home last year and I'd say we'll probably go in as favourites.

"There's no way we can be complacent, but I'm confident if we play to our ability we will win."

Championship and League One clubs enter the competition in round three, and Rhodes, the former York City Knights captain, would relish the chance to again take on pro players - especially his former club.

Acorn met giants Hull KR in 2006, losing 62-1, Rochdale in 2008, losing 50-8, and Gateshead Thunder in 2012, being edged out 28-20.

Rhodes, whose team kick off their league season next month, added: "It's a big chance to go through and get a pro team. That's what every amateur club is after.

"It's also a good build-up game towards the premier division season, but it's the Challenge Cup and you want to go as far as you can."

On last week's game, their first outing of 2016, Rhodes said: "I was not entirely happy with the performance. There was a fair bit of sloppy stuff but then the conditions were pretty poor.

"However, at times, especially in the first half, I thought we played some really good rugby. We stuck to the game plan pretty well and our kicking game was very smart at times.

"Our defence, which is something we're looking to improve, worked well in places.

"I was happy in some areas and unhappy in some areas. But we got the win and we're through."

Meanwhile, New Earswick will look to bounce back quickly from defeat to West Leeds in the Pennine League championship as they host Queensbury this Saturday (2.30pm).

Promotion-chasing Selby Warriors, whose division two match against Ovenden last week was abandoned early in the second half due to bad weather, entertain current leaders Cutsyke - another tough test of their promotion aspirations.

Rampant Sherburn Bears go to Wortley Dragons looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in division four.