KNOCKOUT kings York Acorn ARLC will join York City Knights in the hat for the Carnegie Challenge Cup third round draw after a stunning round two win over Skirlaugh.

The Blue and Golds conjured one of their best performances of recent seasons to topple their National Conference premier division visitors 26-10 at Thanet Road.

Division one Acorn’s desire and work-rate was second to none and they thoroughly deserved to take the spoils in an impressive showing. Leading 8-4 at the break, the hosts took an early lead when Mike Embleton burst through a small gap to go over.

Then, on 12 minutes, a smart Jordan Hyde pass sent winger Matt Woods racing 35 yards before cutting inside the final defender for a sensational try. Skirlaugh’s reply came on 32 minutes when Acorn failed to deal with a kick and, instead of clearing their lines, the ball was booted across the try-line for winger Alex Foster to touchdown in bizarre fashion.

In the second period Acorn continued to enjoy plenty of possession and on 43 minutes Kevin Brayshaw dived over from the play-the-ball. On 51 minutes, a width of the field passing move ended with winger Woods grabbing his second for a 16-4 lead. Acorn were now in full flow and full of confidence, and a smart move down the short side saw Damian Hilton cross in the corner.

Skirlaugh’s frustration was growing and, after a skirmish in centre field Acorn’s Martin McTigue and the visitors’ Trevor Penrose spent time in the sin-bin.

On 68 minutes, Skirlaugh forward John Taylor charged down an Acorn clearing kick to score and full-back Jason Bell kicked the first conversion of the match.

Right at the death, Acorn’s Tom Hill crashed over for the final try and Anthony Chilton goaled for a memorable 26-10 triumph.

Tim Elliott took the man of the match award for another all-action display, but Acorn boasted 17 players who all stood up on the day to earn a superb win.

The draw for the third round will be held in Whitehaven tomorrow, with the Blue and Golds hoping to bag a decent pay-day against a professional team from the Co-operative Championships.