Benson remains upbeat

TONY Benson is optimistic that Oldham will overcome an already heaving injury list to put out a strong side against Rochdale this weekend.

The Roughyeds were well up against it during 38-4 loss at Barrow, particularly in the forwards (see Page 20). As well as having an unwell Jamie I’Anson on the bench, Benson had to deal with in-game injuries to Luke Menzies (shoulder) and Dave Allen (groin).

“We were struggling to get 17 players to come up here,” said the Roughyeds coach.

“Losing Dave Allen in the first few minutes was a blow and it led to having to send Scotty (Mansfield) on. He did well and showed plenty of enthusiasm, but Barrow are a big, bruising side and were very clever in targeting him.

“Losing Luke Menzies and with the Jamie I’Anson’s situation — he had been feeling very sick all week and helped me out by playing five-minute stints — meant we only had two fully fit props.

“Luke (Sutton) and Wayne (Kerr) were doing their best but were getting very tired, as they had a lot of work to do in the middle of the field against such a big side.

“A few injuries affected things and players weren’t great for it, but we will rebuild during the week and the other players who were out are definitely back.”

Thomas Coyle (jaw), Paul Reilly (shoulder) and Anthony Bingham (back) were the other injured parties in the game.

The players that missed yesterday’s trip are all expected to be in contention for the clash with the Hornets at Boundary Park in the Northern Rail Cup on Sunday, with the exception of Gary Sykes (knee).

Meanwhile, former Oldham winger Gareth Langley has signed for Blackpool.