YORK Acorn's hopes of a top six finish in National Conference League division one were dealt a blow after a 17-16 defeat at Hull side Myton Warriors.

The Blue and Golds were the better side for much of the encounter but some resolute defending on their own line by Myton, and some below par attacking options in their opponents' 20, thwarted their hopes of victory.

Head coach Scott Rhodes' men could not be faulted for their efforts as they were held up over the line on five occasions. Their hopes were also hampered by the early loss of influential forward Josh Mortimer with a severe hamstring injury.

The opening period saw defences on top and it took a controversial decision on 26 minutes to see the game's first score. Acorn were penalised for crossing when coming away from their own 20 and Myton took full advantage to plough over from close range for a converted try and a 6-0 lead.

With both packs continuing to cancel each other out, the match remained tight until the 37th minute when Acorn centre Jordan Potter scored an unconverted try out wide.

Right on half-time, Myton edged further in front with a penalty.

The game continued in the same vein after the break. Acorn were more dominant but failed to put points on the board until the 63rd minute when prop forward Tim Stubbs crashed over.

Tom Mackley added the extras and Acorn led 10-8.

Myton drew level with a penalty 11 minutes before the end and, on 71 minutes, edged back in front with a drop goal.

Acorn still looked the more likely to win but, on a rare foray into the Acorn half, Myton plundered a match-winning converted score with five minutes remaining.

With the clock running down, Acorn hit back with a try from the impressive Joe Budd to which Martin McTigue added a drop goal conversion.

But they were left to rue so many missed chances when the referee blew for full time seconds later.