YORK Acorn's Challenge Cup first round tie at GB Police has been postponed - putting the brakes on new head coach Antony Chilton's first match in charge.

The sides had been due to meet in the opening round of the historic competition on Sunday at St Helens-based Portico Vine RLFC.

But like many across the rugby league calendar this weekend, including York Knights' opening pre-season friendly at Hunslet, the match has been postponed due to the freezing temperatures sweeping the UK.

The tie is now expected to be played on January 19, with the winner drawn at home to either Oulton Raiders or London Chargers in round two.

Acorn confirmed the match had been postponed on social media earlier today, saying: "Unfortunately, our scheduled game against GB Police this Sunday has been called off.

"We apologize for any disappointment and appreciate your understanding. Stay tuned for updates on our next match and upcoming events!

"Thank you for your continued support."

Acorn enjoyed a history-making run in last year's competition, seeing off Orrell St James, League One side Cornwall and fellow NCL amateurs Wath Brow Hornets to reach the fifth round for the first time in their history.

The last community club left in the running, they travelled to Halifax Panthers, but found the Championship outfit a step too far in a 62-6 defeat at The Shay.

Their consolation try, scored to the biggest cheer of the afternoon, came from now-head coach Chilton in the closing stages.

He will now have to wait an extra seven days to take charge of his first match since taking over from Josh Mortimer in November.

Now-head coach Antony Chilton scored for Acorn against Halifax Panthers in last year's competition. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Speaking to The Press, Chilton explained that there were both positives and negatives for the postponement for Acorn.

"It's good and bad news for us with the game being called off," he said.

"The good news is that it's been called off with plenty of notice, which isn't always the case. We've had games called off in the past as we have been getting on the team bus.

"This at least gives the lads enough time to make plans to do their own fitness over the weekend rather than save themselves for Sunday.

"The bad news is that we've had seven tough and good quality sessions.

"We've tweaked a few things since I've taken over from Josh and got some new players in, so me and the lads were really excited to get some playing time.

"It's a shame in that sense but we go again next Sunday, fingers crossed."