IT has been deemed the biggest amateur clash in York for decades.

Saturday will see York Acorn take on Heworth in the Challenge Cup for a place in the third round and a possible money-spinning encounter against professional opposition.

More than 500 people saw Acorn beat Heworth in their National Conference League clash at Thanet Road earlier this season, and the hosts are expecting nearly double that crowd for Saturday's Cup tie at the same ground.

Acorn spokesman Paul Lumby said: "Both sides have every incentive to win. It's a local derby and up for grabs is the chance to face a pro team - maybe even York Wasps - in round three. There is the financial reward of winning through but local pride alone will make sure both sides give everything.

"With what is at stake, this is arguably the biggest amateur game this city has seen for years. I expect the biggest crowd for an amateur game in a long, long time. It should be a great spectacle."

Unlike Heworth, Acorn have never had a team go through to the third round of the Challenge Cup, and Lumby added: "Our team has the chance to create history for this club and we couldn't have picked a bigger occasion to do so."

Heworth have traditionally been the top amateur outfit in York and believe they are still the bigger club, but their relegation to NCL division two for the first time in their history, plus Acorn's win in the only match between the two sides so far this term, have seen the promotion-seeking Blue and Golds lay claim to that mantle.

Lumby said: "We're higher in the league and maybe should be favourites but I doubt that anyone will go on that pitch and lie down.

"They're slightly stronger now than when we beat them and they'll come with more confidence, while we have lost Rob Lee to the pro game and Danny Liddell will be out for nearly three months with a fractured cheekbone."

Martin McTigue is also out with his eye injury and Nick Caldwell is serving a two-match ban, but centre Stephen Irving is available again while winger Tim Wilcock will have a late test on his ankle injury.

Lumby added: "We will still be confident. Only Liddell of last week's team will be missing and we enjoyed a very good win at Normanton.

"We have shown throughout this season that we can overcome adversity, such as players moving to the pro game and injuries."

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes agreed it was a massive game on a number of fronts, while, for the Villagers, revenge would be an added incentive.

"There is a certain amount of expectation in our camp to perform," he said.

"Although Acorn played well to beat us we probably under-performed that day and that's something we've got to put right.

"As much as we respect Acorn and what they're doing, we still feel we are the top amateur club in York but the only way to prove that is in your performances."

He added: "One of the obvious spin-offs is the opportunity to play a professional side. It's certainly a good experience for the players and we want to be there again.

"Acorn have not played a pro side before and this could be their best opportunity, but we want to have that experience again ourselves."

Heworth overcame a massive hurdle in the first round when they won at NCL premier division outfit Ideal Isberg in what was one of the biggest Challenge Cup shocks in years.

They clearly don't want that victory go to waste. "There's been a good turn-out at training and the lads are obviously up for it," added Sykes.

Heworth have almost a full-strength squad, with only Jason Gatus (broken wrist) definitely ruled out. They have lost Danny Briggs to Hunslet Hawks since the last meeting between the sides but the likes of Steve Barnard and Nikki Wilson, who were both ruled out that day, will strengthen the Villagers' line-up.

"This is going to be a very tough game and there will be a great atmosphere," added Sykes.

Updated: 11:50 Thursday, December 13, 2001