Kidd aims to ignite Lions fire
Reporter: Roughyeds round-up by MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 20 August 2008
SWINTON Lions coach Paul Kidd is focusing on restoring lost pride this weekend.
Despite his close friendship with Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton, there is no thought of doing the Roughyeds a favour on Saturday afternoon.
That isn't to say the Lions don't want to take the notable scalp of Barrow at Sedgley Park — just that the primary motivation is to right the wrongs of a 13-try, 70-14 hammering at Craven Park earlier this season.
"I think we have a point to prove not to anybody else but to ourselves," said Kidd, whose side have slumped to a position now guaranteeing a finish outside the National League Two play-offs.
"I was bitterly disappointed with the away fixture at Barrow, the way we just seemed to capitulate and I am quite looking forward to the fixture now."
No doubt a number of keen Roughyeds fans will make the short journey to Whitefield for the game in order to cheer on the Lions.
That is because only a Barrow defeat in both of their final two league fixtures can pave the way for Oldham to sneak into an automatic promotion place and bypass the play-offs.
To overcome Dave Clark's side, Swinton will have to put in plenty of effort of the type shown in the closing stages of last week's 38-20 home defeat to the Roughyeds, in which the Lions scored two tries in the final four minutes.
"A lot of effort went in from ourselves in the game," said Kidd of that defeat.
"We were playing a good side in Oldham, who have got a lot of flair and a lot of skilful players.
"I am disappointed obviously to have lost the game.
"But we have not got an awful lot to play for, whereas Oldham have got an awful lot to play for.
"Credit to them, they have done exceptionally well throughout the season. It was always going to be a tough test for us, but I think we had a good go."
STEVE Ganson will take charge of the Carnegie Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday week.
The 38-year old St Helens official benefits from the new ruling this year, allowing him to referee matches involving his home-town club.
