Confidence the key for Benson

ROUGHYEDS coach Tony Benson admits there is a lack of confidence within his side at present — but is staying well away from the panic button.

The 34-26 defeat at pumped-up Keighley in only the club’s second Co-operative Championship One fixture of the season was characterised by a tentativeness both in defence and with ball in hand deep in opposition territory.

As far as Benson is concerned, though, his is a squad of players which has already proved its credentials this year through performances such as the one which saw Co-operative Championship favourites Widnes felled 22-20 on their own turf in the Northern Rail Cup.

Now, the coach is aiming to bring back the feel-good factor.

“We need to get confidence and consistency into our game,” Benson said. “We didn’t have too much trouble getting up to their end at Keighley but didn’t quite do enough when we were there.

“Up to the Sharlston Rovers game (in the Challenge Cup) in those situations we were bagging the opportunities, but at the moment there is a bit of a lack of confidence and we are holding off doing the things we should be doing.

“We have to get fluidity — but the good thing is, it is a case of bringing it back rather than starting from scratch.

“We could also be quicker in getting down the field and these are things we will be working on.”

On the injuries front, Tommy Goulden (hamstring) and Chris Baines (elbow) are likely to be ruled out of action for the next two weeks. Jamie I’Anson’s shoulder problem will be looked at in training tonight, as will Phil Joseph’s troublesome sore knee.

There is better news on Robert Roberts’ rib cartilage problem, though, which the captain described as feeling “a lot better” this morning. It remains to be seen how long the former Huddersfield and Leigh forward will be on the sidelines for.

“Rob was a big loss,” admitted Benson, who had to do without Roberts after he withdrew after only a few minutes at Cougar Park. “We rely on his leadership, particularly when confidence is down.”