YORK Acorn ARLC coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul has questioned the fitness of his players ahead of tomorrow's trip to Kells in the National Conference Premier League.

Acorn are currently six points adrift of safety in the relegation zone after suffering four straight defeats.

A late defeat last week against treble winners Leigh Miners Rangers, in a game that Acorn had led by 10 points, further served to highlight the need for improved fitness.

"It was match fitness more than anything that cost us," said the Acorn coach. "We are not as fit as some other teams and, when we get tired, the errors are creeping in - we are making lazy tackles and giving away penalties.

"To come within two points of beating Leigh last week was still a massive effort - but we have had to work on our fitness in training this week."

Tomorrow's opponents Kells are sixth in the table, nine points above Acorn, but were beaten 30-22 on their visit to Thanet Road seven weeks ago.

"They are a bit hit-and-miss but they always do well at home," he said. "A lot of teams don't like travelling all that way to Cumbria on a coach."

Josh Morton and Jack Burns are likely to be promoted from the A team squad due to the unavailability of three players Harry Bromwich, Matt Chilton, and Jack Stewart.

Meanwhile, hopes that former player Lewis Lord would be returning to boost Acorn's survival fight have been dashed by a hernia injury.

The hooker recently returned to York from university where he has represented the England student side.

But Paul-Rientoul says the 21-year-old has now been advised not to play by doctors and may require surgery.

York Acorn A host Siddal Academy in the Yorkshire Mens' League Premier Division.

The team has been struggling for players recently and lost 20-12 last week against bottom of the table Hull Wyke.

Heworth have a tall order on their plate at home to unbeaten leaders Bentley in division one.

Meanwhile, York Lokomotive's game at Keighley Albion has been postponed due to a social event and moved to next weekend.