YORK Acorn have been dealt a blow ahead of their massive Challenge Cup third round tie against Hull FC, with Josh Thompson ruled out through suspension.

The 6ft 10ins centre has been handed a four-match ban by the RFL after a Grade E charge of unnecessary contact with medical staff during their first-round tie at GB Police earlier this month.

Acorn went on to win the match 52-4, with Thompson scoring twice.

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And having overcome Oulton Raiders 22-2 on Saturday to book their place against the Black and Whites in round three, boss Ant Chilton is disappointed to see that one of the club's most influential players will not take to the field in what is one of the biggest matches in their history.

Speaking to The Press, he admitted: "It's a bit of a blow to be honest.

"In our opinion, the physio's just ran onto the pitch and he's moved his hand to guide her and help her through a crowd of people. They've seen it as unnecessary contact and that he's shoved her.

"I'm gutted for him to be honest, he's just come back from a broken back and hasn't played in two or three years.

"He's been really enjoying himself, training really well and it's just a bit of a kick in the teeth for him.

"It's not in his nature to do anything like that. He keeps his head as much as he can. Obviously he's a rough player on the pitch, but there's absolutely no malice in it."

The Operational Rules Tribunal has also handed down lengthy sanctions to Connor Wynne and Jeylan Hodgson for their parts in an incident during Goole Vikings' pre-season clash at Featherstone Rovers.

Rovers winger Wynne has received a six-match suspension after pleading guilty to a Grade E punching charge, whilst hooker Hodgson has also been suspended for six matches and fined £75 after the tribunal rejected his not guilty plea to a Grade E biting charge.