YORK Acorn ARLC's hopes of reaching the National Conference League division one play-offs were dealt a huge blow when they lost 35-16 to their main rivals for sixth place, Pilkington Recs.

Acorn's plight wasn't helped by the loss of in-form second-row Matthew Woods (shoulder) and the 64th minute dismissal of inspirational loose-forward Tom Hill for a high tackle.

Acorn were marginally the better side in the first half and, although they never properly functioned as a team, they had a few standout performers who kept them in control - none more so than centre Jordan Potter, Australian prop Nathan Welsh and Hill.

However, the Blue and Golds failed to convert several gilt-edged chances and the 10-0 lead they did build was not enough.

Their first try came on 17 minutes when stand-off Antony Chilton's wonderful reverse kick close to the visitors' line was touched down by full-back Joe Budd, Chilton converting.

They increased their lead on the half-hour, when powerhouse winger Ben Tenge crashed over in the corner.

Failure to turn position into points rebounded on Acorn on half-time, though, when Pilks crossed through man-of-the-match full-back Ryan Hilliard, the excellent Kyran Knapper converting.

Pilkington came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and Acorn were caught in a 10-minute whirlwind of points that effectively took the game away.

The Blue and Golds erred from the kick-off and, while several attacks were repelled, stand-off Knapper finally crashed over and converted, despite the efforts of Tenge.

An Acorn error then gifted the visitors the ball near their own try line and, while winger Tom Chisnal was denied a long-ranger by a great cover tackle from Budd, Hilliard immediately found a gap to race in, Knapper goaling.

A stunning 40-20 by Knapper set up the next try, a missed tackle allowing centre Luke Riley to score, Knapper again converting.

Acorn weren't helping themselves with silly passes but they finally showed some quality in attack on 54 minutes with a try from deep in their own half.

A powerful run and offload by Hill was taken on by Potter, who then fed Callum Worthington. The winger showed blistering pace and a quality swerve at the end to score a try goaled by Chilton that cut the gap to 24-16.

However, Hill then saw red and within minutes Recs made the extra man count when Knapper cut through to increase the lead.

The stand-off then put over a 71st-minute field goal and, while Acorn tried hard to get back on the scoring trail, they still lost the ball in contact and the visitors finished off the scoring with a try by centre Andy Nisbet, Knapper again converting.