A LATE drop goal condemned an under-strength York Acorn to a shock 31-30 defeat at home to bottom-of-the-table Featherstone Lions. Coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul and a trio of players were away with the York and District ARL representative squad and four other players were injured or unavailable.

Acorn looked a pale shadow of the side that had previously recorded four consecutive victories and lost the game, four minutes from time, when Lions’ fullback Ian Jackson kicked between the posts.

Things started promisingly when Josh Thompson burst through for a try converted by Anthony Chilton but Acorn’s joy was short lived as Jake Perkins intercepted and ran 70 metres for a Lions’ try converted by Jackson. Acorn regained the lead when Tim Elliott kicked behind the defence and Matthew Woods landed the try. Chilton added the extras. Featherstone hit back almost immediately, Dean Gamble going over. Jackson’s conversion brought the score level.

Acorn took the lead when Joe Burns rolled back the years to score a stunning individual try. Chilton’s kick made it 18-12 but an error from kick-off allowed the Lions to draw level again through substitute Danny Glassell and Jackson’s kick.

Tim Stubbs powered over early in the second half for a try goaled by Chilton. Gaz Gale replied with a try for the Lions which Jackson turned into a six pointer.

Acorn’s Jack Stewart produced a stunning somersault to get on the end of Chilton’s kick. Chilton failed to convert but increased Acorn’s lead with a penalty soon afterwards. Acorn’s indiscipline reared its head again when Adam Speck was sin-binned for an intimidating head movement in the direction of an opponent. Despite a gallant effort, Acorn’s 12 man line was breached again by Jackson who goaled to tie the match at 30-30. Jackson settled the contest with a late drop goal.