York Acorn got back to winning ways with a 12-4 win at Milford Marlins to keep their promotion push on track.

The Blue and Golds remain unbeaten on their travels in the National Conference League second division, but more importantly the result helped to erase the memory of the previous week's disappointing showing against Hillsborough Hawks.

It was a performance full of character, especially as they were missing several influential players through late withdrawals, including prop Lea Tichener, second rower Rich Warren and captain Lee Frank.

Due to the weather conditions, defences dominated the game which was played mainly among the forwards. The major share of the hard work for Acorn was done by loose forward and man of the match Michael Embleton, second rower Darren Crake, prop Chris Soulsby and substitute Michael Lumby.

The backs still did their share of work with centres Andy Lee and Alan Willitts to the fore, well supported by wingers Tim Wilcocks and Steven Irving.

But Acorn struggled in the opening quarter with poor handling and fell behind to a 22nd minute try by Milford winger Nick Moran.

The York side responded in perfect style with the game's best piece of play which saw stand-off Danny Liddell send rampaging centre Andy Lee in for an excellent try.

Full-back John Hough added the extras to give Acorn a 6-4 lead which they held until the interval.

In the second half Acorn tightened up on their defence out wide which meant Milford never looked like scoring. But Acorn's failure to expand their game and play too much one-man rugby meant they were unable to turn pressure into points.

However, their rock solid defence kept them in front and, after Hough had edged them further ahead with a 45th minute penalty, they sealed the win with a try ten minutes from time.

Quick thinking by Liddell at the play the ball saw centre Alan Willitts stroll over unopposed for an unconverted match-winning try.