YORK Acorn ARLC have been dealt a massive blow as they look to end their three-match losing run.

Prolific try-scorer Johnny Waldron, who has not played yet this season because of a shoulder injury, could be ruled out for the campaign because he needs a shoulder reconstruction.

Coach Alfie Hill admitted it was bad news but said the onus was on the squad to pull them out of their current slump.

"It's likely he will have to wait until after Christmas for the operation, unless there is a cancellation beforehand," said Hill. "I'm looking at it as though he will be out all season, and it's not good news."

Hill will also again be without captain Mike Embleton and Alan Willitts this Saturday, both unavailable, as is Lee McTigue. The prop faces a disciplinary hearing next week following his red card in the heavy defeat at Widnes St Maries last Saturday, but is ruled out of this weekend's visit to Milford Marlins by work commitments.

In better news, James Morrow is back after his trip with the Great Britain Students team, Simon Wadsworth is fit to play after his toenail operation, and Andy Gargan is available again.

Hill is also contemplating bringing youngsters Lee Acaster, Danny Holder and Davey Burns, man of the match twice on the trot for the A' team, into the squad.

He added: "Once you start losing a few it becomes a habit and it's difficult to get out of, so I'm hoping we get back to winning ways this weekend."

They will certainly be eyeing a victory against a Milford side who have yet to put National Conference League division one points on the board this term.

It is thought a few of their squad also play in National League Three with Bramley Buffaloes, who have qualified for next week's NL3 Grand Final and may not play for the Marlins this weekend.

Hill added: "They're likely to pick up, but hopefully it won't be this weekend."

Cutting out basic mistakes will be the focus for Heworth when they tackle high-flying Waterhead at Elmpark Way tomorrow.

Too many tackles were needed against Stanningley last week and they paid the price with a heavy defeat.

But they are hopeful of a different outcome tomorrow, even though they face a tough ask against a side with a 100 per cent record after four matches in NCL division two.

Player-coach Chris Smith is still a doubt because of the hip injury that kept him sidelined against Stanningley, and prop Will Neary is a definite absentee after taking a knock to a knee.