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Hornets measure progress

Mike Floyd
21/ 6/2008

HORNETS will be able to measure the progress they have made under the stewardship of Darren Shaw when they travel to the Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow to take on Doncaster.

The hosts have invested heavily this season in players and a high profile coach - former Great Britain star Ellery Hanley.

The Donny directors were repaid in part last week when the South Yorkshire club saw off the challenge of Batley in the Northern Rail Cup to go through to the first major final in the club’s history.

Hanley will now want his players to be fully focused on the league campaign and his main target of promotion to National League One, starting tomorrow against Hornets.

But the Spotland outfit, after a recent good run, are just two points behind Doncaster and will be looking to build on last Sunday’s impressive win over Swinton Lions.

When the teams met in the Northern Rail Cup at Spotland earlier in the season Hornets poor defence and indiscipline gave their opponents a 22-0 lead. They then staged a superb second half fightback, but it wasn’t enough, as they lost 42-30.

The key to victory for Hornets will be a strong start, sturdy defence and discipline.

The attacking side of their game has never been a problem, although last week it was even better as the players’ natural flair was coupled with a more structured approach.

It’s a chance for the visitors to show what they can do as Shaw explained: "This match is a real good indicator for us. I think it is probably the game we need and it gives us a real good test. We are really looking forward to it.

"The key to Doncaster’s game is their discipline, and they rely on the opposition to make mistakes and capitalise on them. So we can’t afford to give anything away, either penalties or turning the ball over.

"I was happy with our defence last week, we showed some good character. We have worked on it this week and made a few changes and we need to sustain it for a longer period of time.

"On attack there is no point in restricting our players. We are the fifth best scoring team in the league so the quality is there. But you have got to earn the right to play some football and that comes with discipline.

"We now have a lot more bodies moving off the ball and asking questions of the opposition defence.

"We have a little bit of momentum and confidence, we just get a bit sloppy at times, and if we can eradicate that we will be in with a real shout."

Hornets go into the match without Dave Best who has a shoulder injury which could keep him out for two weeks, while Jonathan Muir is extremely doubtful with a knee injury.

They join Wayne Corcoran and Craig Robinson on a lengthening injury list among the forwards.

To offset this Shaw has drafted in big prop-forward Kyle Neale on loan from Leigh.

Shaw said: "He’s 21-years old, a prop forward from Leigh, and a product of the Warrington Wolves Academy.

"He’s a big lad and he will probably go straight into the squad.

"We are down on numbers and Andy Marsh is due to go on tour for a month with England Students.

"But it does give lads a chance to grab their opportunity, and we’ll see how it goes on Sunday."

• HORNETS’ Reserve team, sponsored by Carcraft, travels to Whitehaven today, kick-off 2.30pm. There are about 20 seats available to fans who would like to travel with the team. Places cost £10 per head. Contact Mal Harrison on 01706 525386 to book your place. The coach will leave the club at 9.15 am.
• KEIGHLEY Cougars are the visitors to Spotland on 6 July, kick-off 3pm. Admission price reductions will again be in place, and it will be only £1 for children under 14.
• EVERYONE at the club would like to thank the Nest Egg for its recent financial contribution to the club and towards Darren Shaw's coaching certificate.
• FOLLOWING Hornets’ superb win over Swinton Lions last Sunday, and in anticipation of increased numbers travelling to Doncaster for tomorrow’s match, the supporters’ coach will be a 49-seater. This means there are still places available on the coach to what promises to be an unmissable match. The coach departs Spotland at 12.15pm and Town Hall at 12.30pm. For details or to book a place contact Ena on 01706 522982.