YORK Acorn ARLC are going to lodge an appeal with National Conference League chiefs after Matthew Woods was slapped with a six-game suspension.

The centre was sent off nearly two months ago against Shaw Cross but his disciplinary has only now been heard, with his ban starting for Saturday's division one trip to Blackbrook (2.30pm).

He was punished for allegedly running into a brawl and kneeing an opponent who was on the ground, but Acorn boss Leigh Paul-Rientoul insists the contact, while caught on video, was accidental.

He said of the ban: "It's a big blow to us, but we're going to appeal it. He's not the kind of player to do anything like that.

"I understand what happened. He ran into a big crowd and caught this lad who was on all fours. He did catch him but it wasn't on purpose."

If the appeal fails, the suspension will increase to seven games, but Paul-Rientoul said: "Hopefully we can reduce it. We feel it's only right to appeal."

In better news, Acorn will have Ryan Gallacher, the club's top scorer over recent seasons, back at centre, while vice-captain Elliot Bulmer also returns.

Fellow back-rower Tom Hill may have family commitments but hopes to play in what Paul-Rientoul deems a "must-win" game against a team at the foot of the table.

Acorn currently sit sixth, the last play-off spot.

Paul-Rientoul's biggest issues are at prop, with Tim Stubbs now unavailable for a fortnight while Josh Mortimer is already ruled out for some time with injury.

Veteran Adam Endersby is likely to start up top with the likes of Bulmer or Hill moving up from the back row.

Paul-Rientoul, meanwhile, has hailed the impact of new boy Lewis Brown, who recently joined from neighbours Heworth and shone at half-back alongside Lewis Lord in last week's big win over Hull Dockers.

Brown, formerly in Castleford Tigers' set-up, had a trial with York City Knights in pre-season.

Paul-Rientoul said: "It was his first game for us and he stood out straight away. It's massive boost for us. Partnering him up with Lewis Lord worked a treat and hopefully it will kick on."

He added: "It's a must-win game. If we want to stay in the play-offs, we can't afford to lose to teams at the bottom."