COACH Alfie Hill says the play-offs could now be in York Acorn ARLC’s sights – though he has warned his revitalised troops not to let confidence descend into complacency.

The Blue and Golds were looking over their shoulders at relegation not long ago but successive wins over West Hull and high-flying Skirlaugh have lifted them to seventh in the National Conference premier division.

There is a seven-point gap to fifth place but Wigan St Patrick’s, who occupy the sixth and final play-off spot, are only one point above Hill’s men, who could leapfrog them with victory over visitors Hull Dockers on Saturday.

“I think we’ve got to,” said Hill, when asked if they were now eyeing the play-offs rather than the trap door, which remains only four points below them.

“Sixth is up for grabs and if one of the top five loses form then fifth could enter people’s calculations. Oulton sneaked into the play-offs last season and had a terrific run – as long as you’re in the top six you are in with a chance (of the title).”

Dockers lie second bottom, but Acorn’s last defeat was against fellow strugglers East Hull, and Hill said: “Complacency could be a big danger. Just because we’ve had back-to-back wins doesn’t mean it gets easier. There are no easy games in this league.

“Confidence is higher, though. And probably this week we’ll be able to put the same team out – something we haven’t been able to do so far.”

Heworth are hopeful of having loose-forward Luke Judson back for their trip to Thornhill, while utility Chris Varley (shoulder) could also return, as they continue their quest for points.

The Villagers are adrift at the foot of division one with 13 defeats from 13 games, culminating in an 84-12 thumping by Thatto Heath last week, but spokesman Ken Sykes says they cannot give up.

He said: “It was an exceptionally poor performance last week – we contributed to our own downfall in many ways.

“The only thing we can do is draw a line under that and try to pick ourselves up. We don’t have any choice. If you let it, it can overwhelm you and you can go into complete freefall. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and show a bit of mettle.”

New Earswick All Blacks are also seeking their first win of term in the Pennine League premier division.

But they will not be fazed by Saturday’s visitors, Siddal ‘A’, despite their third-placed standing.

All Blacks were unlucky to lost 28-24 at Siddal in October and remain confident they can get out of their predicament, not unlike last season when they had a better second half of the season to avoid relegation. It is hoped Liam Gargan, who was in fine form before injury, can return.

Selby Warriors’ title charge in division four continues away to Hoyland Vikings.

The Warriors finally beat Hoyland at the seventh attempt last week – blitzing them with 30 points in the opening 30 minutes in a 56-6 mauling – and will go into this quick return match looking for more of the same, not least from four-try man-of-the-match Wayne Fennell.

Coach Paul Helstrip will have selection headaches with Richard Tune, Ian Ramskill, Spud Waite and Mark Hansen returning, but outstanding loose-forward Scott Pearson (knee) is a doubt and Helstrip has warned this game will be much tougher.

Other tries last week, in which debutant Paul Greenwood impressed, came from centres Matthew Irving (2) and Richard Stead, ghosting past three would-be tacklers, winger Steve Wilkes, young second-rower Justin Priest and Matthew Barnaby, while Paul Berriman booted eight goals.

Division five leaders New Earswick ‘A’ visit mid-table Meltham, with Carl Pallister, Nigel Wilson and possibly John Leach returning.

Selby ‘A’, beaten 53-6 by higher-ranked Westgate ‘A’ in the Supplementary Cup last week, return to division seven action at home to in-form Whitworth.

Acorn ‘A’ host winless Whinmoor in Yorkshire League division two while Heworth ‘A’ visit Oulton ‘A’.