NEW boss Josh Mortimer reckons York Acorn ARLC "couldn't have got a tougher draw" - but he is still optimistic about progressing in the Coral Challenge Cup.

The Blue and Golds travel to Cumbria on Saturday for a second-round showdown at higher-ranked Wath Brow Hornets, with a potential money-spinning tie against a pro League One side at stake in round three.

And Mortimer - who at the start of the season set a target of getting through to the third round - has faith that his new charges and their collective spirit can overcome their National Conference League premier division opponents.

"I'm feeling pretty confident, and the boys are pretty similar," said Mortimer, whose division one side overpowered Beverley 42-4 in round one.

"There's a buzz around the team. It's a brilliant, positive environment.

"We're trying to create a player-led environment where it's not me telling them 'this is what we're going to do', it's them telling me and me putting a plan together for it.

"It creates more of a team environment - no one won anything with a bunch of individuals.

"Wath Brow are one of the best amateur teams in the country and have been for decades. To get anything out of the game we have to be the best we can be.

"We probably couldn't have got a tougher draw.

"The lads all enjoy a Cumbria trip, but it's a long time since we won there. We have to put that right.

"I don't think (the travelling) will be an issue. In the past, more focus has been on the return journey - three-and-a-half hours with the boys drinking, it's good fun.

"I was chatting to one of our players in the gym who said he'd be going up in the past just thinking about the bus ride home but now his focus is all on the game.

"We want to get into the third round. We like to think we can compete against a team from the lower half of League One, and even sneak a result.

"It would be a huge confidence boost going into the season - but we've got to beat Wath Brow first.

"We're confident in our ability to do it and that's all you can ask for at this stage. It's about desire, and if we show the desire we have lately, it will be no problem."