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Bobbie primed and ready for action

Mike Floyd
19/ 3/2008

HORNETS are primed, ready for action and optimistic about the National League Two season, which starts on Friday with a game at Spotland against Oldham Roughyeds.

And it’s so far, so good for coach Bobbie Goulding whose side has qualified for a home tie against Dewsbury Rams in the quarter-finals of the Northern Rail Cup, despite defeat at Salford last Friday.

There were many positives to take from that game in which the Hornets boss fielded several younger players.

"The Northern Rail Cup hasn’t gone badly," said Goulding. "We know where we are up to and if we perform we are going to be very competitive.

"On Friday against Salford City Reds there was a good opportunity to have a look at more players and I’ve got an idea of what will be my first team.

"I was made up with Carl Sneyd. I’ve been looking for a fullback from day one and never found one. Then we find one in our own club which is very satisfying."

Goulding has set his sights high and identified experienced players Jimmy Elston, Ian Sinfield and Martin Ainscough as his key men, adding: "I think we are going to have a decent season.

"If we stay clear of injury and the lads play as they can play, we are going to have a right go. I’m aiming for a home tie in the play-offs.

"This time four or five months ago the club just wanted to consolidate. I’m looking at the side and I’m very optimistic about the season. I can’t wait for it to get going.

"I think Ian Sinfield wants to get on the plane to Australia with the Scotland World Cup team in the autumn and if he keeps playing like he is there’s no reason why he shouldn’t.

"Martin Ainscough has been a revelation – is there a better stand off in the National Leagues? I doubt it."

With three games during the Easter period, Goulding knows the value of a strong opening to the season and said:

"We need a good start. Three games in a week – Oldham at home plus London Skolars and Workington away – is difficult but it’s the same for everybody and, fortunately, the only absentee from the squad will be Paul Alcock.

"Oldham and us know each other very, very well. And I think it will be tough.

"But last Friday at the Willows, apart from the first 10 minutes, we competed, got in the arm wrestle and the lads had a right go.

"We won’t play a better side than Salford, and if we can perform as well against Oldham we’ll be okay."

FORMER Hornets player Tom Duffy died at his home in Australia recently.

Duffy was one of five Australian players – Ron and Reg Stanford, Wally Ellean and Cec ‘Babe’ Kelly were the

others – who along with coach Cec ‘Dickie’ Fyfield, joined Hornets in 1950.

He had previously played for country side Albury and was a fine swimmer and member of Bronte Beach Surf Club. Duffy married local girl Joan Clegg and they eventually returned to Australia to start a new life together.