Heworth face a crucial match on Saturday as they try to get their promotion push back on track.

The Villagers entertain fellow promotion contenders Castleford Panthers in the National Conference League division two knowing they need to bounce back quickly from last week's shock defeat at lowly Mayfield.

Heworth lost not only their 100 per cent record but also top spot on points difference to Wath Brow Hornets, while Milford Marlins, Cas Panthers and Widnes St Marie's are all in close attendance in the race for the top two places.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "Cas Panthers are having a pretty good season. They set off like a house on fire and although they've suffered one or two defeats, they had a good win last week (over Huddersfield Syngenta). I think this will be quite a tough game and I don't expect there'll be much in it."

Heworth are set to embark on a difficult run of games which could prove vital to their promotion bid, with the Panthers match being followed by Widnes and Wath Brow.

Sykes reckons victory on Saturday is essential. "Now is a crucial time for us," he added.

"It will be a testing time for the players and this is where they've got to battle it out. It can go one of two ways - we can pick ourselves up after last week's disappointment and come back strongly, or we can flop."

Lee Clarke (back) is likely to join Steve Barnard (shoulder) on the sidelines but Carl Barrow and Nigel Wilson should be in contention after unavailability. Kenny Embleton, who is likely to ask for a personal hearing with the league disciplinary committee after being sent off last week for alleged stamping, will also be available as it is yet to be decided whether he will receive a ban.

York Acorn visit Cottingham Tigers hoping to prove that last week's hammering of Hillsborough Hawks was no fluke.

The Blue and Golds ended their bad run, which culminated in the big derby defeat to Heworth, but now want to get some continuity.

Spokesman Paul Lumby said: "We'll be hoping to build on last week when we proved there's plenty of spirit in the camp and plenty to work with.

"It was a massive improvement but we are not nave to think that's the corner turned. There is still a long way to go."

Lee McTigue returned after being unavailable since the start of the league season and boosted the pack, as did Dave Norman after injury. Both will be included again on Saturday, while Michael Embleton, out injured last week, has a late fitness test.

Prop Mick Hagan could also be back after work commitments but full-back Andy Lee (back) is still out.

Lumby added: "Cottingham are another side near the bottom but they are usually strong at home, as they showed against Milford."

Acorn will be training tonight and on future Thursdays at York Sixth Form College on Tadcaster Road, starting 8pm. Players meet there at 7.50pm or at the club at 7.30pm.

York Groves go in search of silverware on Saturday when they visit Thornton in the Shipley Trophy first round.

This competition is for clubs in the lower divisions of the Pennine League and a good run for the Terriers, of the fourth division, can not be ruled out especially if they can put out a strong squad.

Their hosts lie mid-table in division six and so Groves will be favourites but they do have a few injury worries and secretary Ian Colley has warned against complacency. "They're an unknown quantity and they're at home so you never know," he said.

Updated: 12:28 Thursday, November 07, 2002