"I KNOW we're capable of beating Normanton on our day, no doubt about it."

So says York Acorn boss Scott Rhodes as they gear up for tomorrow's promotion showdown in National Conference League division one.

The Blue and Golds go into the play-off final at Widnes Vikings' stadium (12.30pm) as big underdogs having lost twice to the Knights in the regular season and finishing seven points behind them in the final standings, with the West Yorkshire side having been in a three-way race for automatic promotion right up until the last few weeks whereas Acorn were battling for the top six.

But Rhodes' men pulled off a shock when turning over Shaw Cross Sharks on their own turf in last week's semi-final and the head coach is sure they can do even better tomorrow.

"It's what we've been working towards. Basically it's all on this game. We're all looking forward to it. The players are hyped up, there's been a lot of enthusiasm around the place at training, which is great," he said.

"We're the younger side, if that makes a difference. They have more experience but we will be a lot fitter than them.

"I know we're capable of beating Normanton on our day, no doubt about it.

"We have to play well. But we had to play well against Shaw Cross at Shaw Cross and we did that. The players did what we asked them to do for most of the game and we won didn't we."

Acorn lost 34-22 at home to Normanton in August and 34-28 away in May.

But before last week's thrilling come-from-behind 24-22 triumph at Shaw Cross, the Blue and Golds had racked up 96 points in two games against relegated duo Salford City Roosters and Saddleworth Rangers.

Conversely, Normanton, having been neck-and-neck with top two Pilkington Recs and Kells, lost their last three games of the regular season prior to last week's 30-26 semi-final win over Ince Rose Bridge.

Said Rhodes: "I think we've been unlucky against Normanton twice this year.

"We know where their weaknesses are and hopefully we can exploit them.

"Everything has clicked for the last few games. We're playing our best stuff of the season at the right time. We have to go full of confidence that we can win. I've no doubt that we can.

"We have to be on top of our game. Nothing changes for us. We go out there and give it 100 per cent. I have ideas on how to turn them over, game-plan wise, and we have to get that right.

"We're all looking forward to the occasion. It will be good experience playing in a final and hopefully we can win it."

Rhodes is not too fussed by the early kick-off time of 12.30pm - with this game being followed by the premier division Grand Final between Siddal and Leigh Miners Rangers - even though it means an early start for the two-hour trip to Cheshire.

"Players have got to prepare right. We're not professional players, we're amateur, but they've just got to prepare right," said Rhodes. "It's an early kick-off which we're not really used to but we will do our best as a club to help the players. It's not much different for Normanton so it's not an issue."

Asked if his young side were ready for the premier division, Rhodes said: "Time will tell. Our focus is on this final."

Rhodes also has big selection decisions to make.

Daryl North and Josh Mortimer picked up knocks last week while Jordan Potter will be fit to return. Rhodes reckons all of them will put their hand up to play.

"I think we'll be at full-strength so it'll be a case of picking the right team," he said.

"I've got to think what's the best 17 for this game. Some players will be upset but that's the nature of sport. Whatever we pick, I'm sure the coaching staff and all the players will 100 per cent back it and be together."