Players told to rest

WITH only eight players physically able to run in training last night, Roughyeds coach Steve Deakin has given his players a day off in a bid to ready bodies for the end-of-season run-in.

Thankfully, none of the injuries picked up during the 34-22 home win over Barrow are thought to be too serious.

Luke Menzies, employed in the second row on Sunday, hasn’t broken his forearm as was first suspected and his chances for Swinton this weekend depend on whether the swelling goes down.

James Coyle and Simeon Hoyle, both forced out of the action with sore ankles late on during the stirring win at Boundary Park, are in a similar position in that the medical staff are waiting to see how beneficial a period of a couple of days’ rest proves to be.

Daryl Cardiss was suffering before and during the Barrow game with a groin strain that shouldn’t threaten his participation this weekend, while Phil Joseph (bruised ribs) gave hope that he could be involved by running last night, though he isn’t yet up to contact work.

Marcus St Hilaire, meanwhile, is resting a sore back and, along with the other injured parties, will be assessed further when the squad reconvenes on Thursday night.

While a period of three intense battles with York, Doncaster and Barrow inside eight days hasn’t helped, Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton feels the current injuries situation is more down to long-term pressures.

“It has been non-stop since the start of the season,” he said. “It is a cumulative effect rather than anything else but a full week between games should help us.”

After the Swinton game, Oldham have only one remaining National League Two fixture left, at home to Workington on Sunday, August 24.

A SUPPORTERS’ coach will be running to Sedgley Park for the away clash with Swinton on Sunday.

Contact the club office for details on (0161) 6283677.