YORK Acorn head further into the unknown when West Hull visit for this weekend's National Conference League premier division clash.

Acorn are still striving for a first league win of the season, will their solitary victory this year coming in cup action back in February.

Following promotion last season – after a stunning play-off triumph over Normanton Knights – the step up in divisions has so far proven to be a tough one for the York side, with four defeats from four in the league.

However, a spirited performance last week at home to Wigan St Patricks – with Scott Rhodes' men only losing 18-10 to the team currently in third – could prove to be a stepping stone to better things.

Head coach Rhodes is fully aware of the challenges his side face in the top tier, especially against sides they haven't come up against before. Fourth-placed West Hull are the next 'new faces' to negotiate.

He said: “This season is something of an unknown as I don't know a lot about the teams in this division, having seen no footage.

“But, from our point of view, last week we played some brilliant rugby while lacking that edge when it mattered.

“We are a very good side, albeit a very young one, but our lack of experience could be a factor.

“Unfortunately, we lack the links that other clubs have. St Pats for example have strong links with Wigan Warriors so get a lot of their academy graduates.

"Whereas, our most local professional club York City Knights do not have a reserve team, so we struggle to attract players who have that professional experience."

While Acorn will be battling to haul themselves off the foot of the table this weekend, the club's 'A' team head into their next clash full of confidence.

Last weekend's 40-16 victory over Beverley propelled the Acorn second-string up to fourth spot in the Yorkshire Men's League premier division after two matches.

Paul-Rientoul's men will meet the same opposition in the final of the Forty-20 Cup next month, but head to Siddal this weekend to face an Academy line-up who have yet to play in the league so far this season.

In division one, Heworth head to Knottingley Worms on Saturday after defeat – 48-10 to Skirlaugh Bulls – in their solitary league game so far.