YORK Acorn's automatic promotion hopes are alive and kicking thanks to a 26-24 home win over one of their nearest challengers, Pilkington Recs.

Acorn's first ever win over their St Helens based visitors was as close as the score suggests.

When Pilks scored the game's final try and final points – an individual beauty by sub Alex McClurg on 75 minutes – the hosts' lead was cut to just two points.

No one could have predicted what drama and tension those final five minutes of this National Conference League division one clash would bring.

Acorn took the lead on four minutes when centre Josh Thompson caught a great Chilton up and under on the last tackle, before scoring a try which Chilton goaled.

Pilks hit back on 13 minutes when winger Josh Lynch crossed out wide for a try which Kyran Knapper added the extras to.

Soon afterwards a wonderful break by Acorn scrum half Lewis Brown created the field position from where full back Joe Budd was able to send a kick for brother Josh Parker to gather and score another try. Chilton added the extras.

Once again Pilks drew level when, on 21 minutes, second rower Jordy Morris took advantage of a dummy by stand-off Greg Smith to score a try near the posts. Knapper's goal tied the scores up once again.

On the back of an excellent Brown 40/20, Acorn managed to hold the ball for a set close to the Pilks line where prop forward Tim Stubbs crashed over for a 28th-minute try. That saw York move back in front at 18-12 following Chilton's successful conversion.

Pilks started the second half strongly and drew level again on 52 minutes as their impressive full back Ron Hilliard ghosted in for a try which Knapper goaled.

Acorn notched an important score on 69 minutes when Chilton slotted over a crucial penalty goal to put his side 20-18 ahead.

The hosts added a six-pointer moments later to edge two scores in front – substitute hooker Lewis Lord brushing aside several 'tacklers' on a 30-metre dash to the try line on 72 minutes. Chilton's conversion gave them an eight-point advantage.

Then came Pilks late response that saw Acorn's lead cut to a slender 26-24 with five minutes remaining.

How Acorn held onto their lead over those final minutes owed much to an unbelievable team spirit, never-say-die effort in defence and a wayward last ditch pass from their visitors.