Co-operative National League Previews
8th May 2008HUNSLET HAWKS v GATESHEAD THUNDER
Graeme Hallas has praised new signings Mark Blanchard and Anthony Thewliss as the Hawks go in search of their second successive victory.
Both players were in good form during last week’s 35-28 win at Rochdale.
Hallas said: “The experience and fresh impetus the players bring will provide us with much needed go-forward for the rest of the season.”
Thunder coach Dave Woods admits his side’s trip to the South Leeds Stadium could not have come at a worse time.
Woods said: “It’s a very tough week to face Hunslet, coming off the back of their first win last week.
“We said before last week’s game that our next three matches are vitally important and that remains the case. If we’re serious about wanting to make the play-offs and do well then we need to make sure we beat the teams around us.
“However, Hunslet have improved every time I’ve seen them this year. They’ve got dangerous players there and we need to make sure we control them.”
Michael Knowles could come into contention after missing last week’s win at Swinton with a shoulder problem.
KEIGHLEY COUGARS v ROCHDALE HORNETS
Cougars’ boss Barry Eaton will prepare his side without Gavin Duffy after the youngster broke his fibula during last week’s win over London Skolars.
Eaton said: “Gavin’s facing at least eight weeks out. It’s cruel on him and we’re having horrendous luck with our injuries – we’ve already used 25 players in six games so far.”
On Rochdale, Eaton said: “Bobbie (Goulding, Hornets’ coach) has made no secret of the fact he’s expecting a top three finish and they’ve had a bit of a slip up last week.
“It’s a very difficult time for us to face them but we did well against the Skolars and we’re full of confidence.”
Sam Gardner could feature after returning to full training following a hamstring injury, while Eaton has dropped his interest in recruiting a French-based Australian forward.
Bobbie Goulding has admitted he expects a big improvement from his troops on Sunday.
He said: “We want a massive response this week. There’ll be a couple of changes, but not too many because there’s no need to panic.
“I know that every single one of my lads underachieved last week and more importantly, they know it themselves. They’re an honest bunch and they’ve all put their hands up.”
SWINTON LIONS v YORK CITY KNIGHTS
Lions’ boss Paul Kidd is unlikely to see his injury crisis ease this week.
Kidd said: “It doesn’t appear as though anyone will be back on Sunday, but I’m relatively confident I’ll get some bodies back for next week.
“However, we don’t want to use this as an excuse. We’re not hiding behind anything and I’m happy with what I’ve got available.
“York are coming into a bit of form. It wasn’t an easy game at for them at Blackpool and they came away with a win and then they pushed Doncaster very close.
“They’ll be coming with a lot of confidence and the first 20-25 minutes are going to be an arm wrestle. The team that adapts the best will probably go on and win it.”
Knights’ coach Paul March will be without Danny Grimshaw, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a back injury, and brother David March (calf).
March said: “Last week was very frustrating. I felt we did enough to win the game but they showed why they’re top of the league.
“You have to be smart to win games and you have to overcome tiredness, but we’ll get over it and focus on this Swinton game. If we improve again then we should go well.”
Mark Applegarth could be recalled while Adam Sullivan has a chance of making his second ‘debut’ for the Knights.