YORK Acorn lost their 100 per cent home record in Kingstone Press National Conference League Division One, losing 40-34 to a resurgent Leigh Miners' Rangers.

This was Acorn's third defeat in a row and can squarely be blamed on their defence, with too many players again being soft in contact or dropping off tackles.

The only reason Acorn stayed in the contest for so long was that they looked lively in attack and dominated the early stages of both halves.

The hosts capitalised on an error, with centre Ryan Gallacher showing quality footwork to go in from 15 metres after four minutes, Antony Chilton making it 6-0.

They soon stretched their lead when Antony Chilton combined with his brother Matthew before sending the latter over for a try which Antony goalled.

Then Rangers hit back with tries for Tom Farrimond, an 80-metre special by man of the match Jack Reynolds and a try by Frankie Halton, will full back Reynolds adding two conversions to make it 16-12 at the break.

Acorn's response started on 42 minutes, following an excellent 40-20 by Antony Chilton.

From the resulting set, Matthew Chilton side-stepped his way over for a fine try that was goalled by his brother.

On 47 minutes, they moved into a 24-16 lead when loose forward Harry Bromwich's powerful run and offload allowed centre Jordan Potter to deliver a wonderful try-scoring pass to winger Josh Thompson, which was improved by Antony Chilton.

However, Acorn then allowed their visitors to hit back via tries by Louis Brogan and Connor Joe (2), Reynolds converting all three to make it 34-24.

Acorn then reminded everyone how effective they can be with ball in hand in the 64th minute when, from just inside the Leigh half, Matthew Chilton created an opening before releasing supporting full back Joe Budd for a try that was goalled by Antony Chilton.

The game-breaker came with about ten minutes left when Bromwich somehow lost the ball with the try line begging.

Leigh then delivered the killer blow when Rob Crompton stormed over for the match-winning try which Reynolds converted.

At the death, Acorn did get on the scoreboard again when Antony Chilton, Potter and Thompson combined before Potter crashed over in the corner.

Australian prop Nathan Welsh took the home side's man of the match.