Deakin expects physical contest

ROUGHYEDS coach Steve Deakin is expecting to face a fired-up Swinton Lions side when the two teams meet this weekend.

Paul Kidd’s men have had a miserable run of form of late and are now fourth-bottom of National League Two, five points behind Workington, who occupy the last play-off place.
It’s a must-win game for Swinton if they are to maintain hopes of overtaking the Cumbrians. Local pride is also at stake, though, for a team which — like Rochdale — Deakin believes contains plenty of able performers.

“One thing you can guarantee in my time at the club is that if Swinton and Rochdale are going to get up for one game all season, it will be against Oldham,” Deakin said.

“We expect a very physical challenge and I am sure they won’t disappoint us. We will have to work hard for a win and if we end up having to grind out a result, so be it.

“Whenever teams are on a downward spiral, sooner or later it will stop and they will come back. Rochdale went through that process, before beating Doncaster and Barrow, and sooner or later Swinton will come up again.

“We just have to make sure we don’t dip on the day.”

A total of 11 players will be on the treatment table tonight, with the effects of a punishing season taking their toll.

Once again, Deakin will delay naming his side for Sunday’s penultimate regular-season clash at Sedgley Park until the last minute in order for a clear picture to emerge of who is and isn’t able to play.

Meanwhile, Oldham’s NL2 rivals Doncaster have hit money troubles.

Club chairman Craig Harrison says that he will walk away from the South Yorkshire club at the completion of the season if supporters don’t manage to raise £20,000 before the end of September.

Harrison, the sole director, has pledged to match that amount in order to balance the books for the season.

A SUPPORTERS’ BUS will run to Sedgley Park for the Swinton game. Contact the club on (0161) 6283677 for details.