INSPIRED York Acorn ARLC conjured one of the best performances ever seen at Thanet Road to topple top flight leaders Thatto Heath Crusaders 42-28.

The Crusaders were flying high in the National Conference League premier division, but the Blue and Golds overturned the formbook to knock their visitors off the summit.

Acorn’s Ryan Gallacher opened the scoring on six minutes when Tom Hill regathered Antony Chilton’s speculative kick and the winger strode over in the corner. Chilton converted from the side line.

The hosts increased the lead on 17 minutes when an astute kick from Ash Robson saw Joel Johnson pounce to score in the corner.

Chilton kicked another superb touchline conversion and then slotted over a penalty on 20 minutes after a high tackle.

Thatto Heath got into the match on 22 minutes when Keiron Maddocks broke down the left and handed on to Dave Pike to go over. Jack Jones converted.

The visitors struck again on 35 minutes when Adam Walsh outstripped the defence for a good try.

Two minutes later, Thatto were in again when an overlap was created and Greg Burrows got over, and Jones added the goal.

However, right on the stroke of half-time, Mike Embleton barged over to give the home side a two-point lead.

Acorn were caught offside at the second-half restart and Thatto capitalised immediately as Walsh crossed for his second try. Jones added the extras.

The Blue and Golds hit back on 46 minutes as Johnson ended a superb short-side move, with Chilton converting.

On 57 minutes, a great Johnson offload allowed Callum Hannigan the space to go in at the corner.

Chilton kicked a penalty on 60 minutes after Thatto were penalised for pinching the ball and Acorn continued to press, leading to man of the match Embleton grabbing his second try on 71 minutes. Chilton yet again converted.

Thatto Heath scored late on when Jones crossed and converted his own try, but there was still time for Lewis Lord to dart over at the death for Acorn and a Robson conversion sealed a memorable win.

Embleton was well supported by Daryl North, Johnson, Robson and Hill in a superb performance.

Acorn secretary Andy Grant said: “We turned the formbook upside down with a performance so full of endeavour and determination.

“It ranked up there with any in the previous 20 years in the National Conference League.

“With Thatto Heath riding high at the top of the competition and Acorn struggling with unavailabilty, the writing seemed to be on the wall. But our players had other ideas as everybody stepped up to the mark in an inspired performance.”