TOUGH GMB Union National Cup third round ties are on the agenda for both York Acorn and Heworth on Saturday.

Acorn travel to take on Cumberland League leaders Hensingham, while the Villagers face West Hull, who are pushing for promotion in National Conference division one.

The long trek to Cumbria will be familiar for Acorn's squad as they have already faced Walney Central and Askham in the league and thrashed Flimby 58-0 in the previous round of the National Cup.

But Hensingham will offer much harder opposition with Acorn starting as underdogs.

Acorn's joint coach Paul Lumby said: "It will be very, very tough. We expect they will have a big pack of forwards but we have played these types of games before and know what to expect."

Lumby and Alfie Hill have warned their charges in training this week not to start slowly as they did in last Saturday's league defeat at Ince Rosebridge.

"We have got to start quickly otherwise we could get blown away. You simply cannot afford to start slowly against the top sides and Hensingham are in that bracket," said Lumby.

Acorn will be without forward Lee McTigue, who is unavailable, but centre Gareth Lloyd, centre/winger Steven Irving and Ryan Calam will all come into the equation after missing out last week.

Some 'A' team players, who have blossomed in recent weeks under the guidance of joint coaches Barry Fox and Mick Calam will also come into contention.

Heworth's coach Jimmy Rothwell has no injury concerns for the visit of West Hull and is boosted by the return to fitness of Chris Smith.

West Hull, who currently lie second in NCL division one, will start the game as favourites although Rothwell insists his side will not be easily beaten. "We will try our best," he said.

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, January 19, 2006