YORK Acorn ARLC are hoping to return to winning ways this weekend with a tough tie against strong opposition in Milford Marlins.

The Blue and Golds lost the reverse National Conference League division one fixture 30-6 in April, but a positive display in last week’s 42-24 defeat against Rochdale Mayfield has provided encouragement for boss Scott Rhodes.

“This mid-table clash will hold great significance after the early season defeat to Milford,” said Rhodes. “Milford are a well disciplined side and it will be a tough game.

“If we play to all of our strengths, we have more than a good chance at home.”

On last week’s defeat, Rhodes added: “The score didn’t reflect the game but the better side won in the end.”

However, looking forward to Saturday’s game, the coach recognised the two quality half-backs playing well for Milford, but said he “expects every game to be tough”.

He said: “We will have to turn up and play well to win this one, but we always have a chance with the mixture of experience and youth that we have as well as the advantage of playing at home.”

Adam Endersby will miss the game through injury, while Joe Budd will miss the fixture through a personal commitment. However the pair of Matthew Woods and Andy Gargan return alongside Ollie Wilcox-Harrison, in his first game back from injury.

On the club’s progress so far this season, Rhodes said: “Results never lie and winning five and losing five is a fair reflection of the club’s progress. We will consolidate in this division at the end of the season, and then rebuild for a stronger second season back in division one.”

Acorn’s ‘A’ team travel to Siddal in the Yorkshire Men’s League premier division.

Heworth have no game in division three of the National Conference League, but their ‘A’ team go to Shaw Cross in Yorkshire Men’s League group two.

York Lokomotive host Huddersfield YMCA in the same division.