Options open for Benson

Valu Bentley: hoping for a place

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

TONY Benson will be spoilt for choice when picking his side for Oldham’s big game at Whitebank on Sunday (3pm).

Twenty-three players are challenging for 17 spots and it could be 24 if winger Shaun Robinson passes a late hip test.

Only John Gillam and Luke Stenchion are out injured, so Benson will have lots of options in finding a combination which can inflict Barrow’s first defeat in seven games.

Among them are Liam Gilchrist, Mark McCully, Paul Smith, Valu Bentley, Michael Ward and Paul Ballard.

“Nearly everybody is fit and itching to go,” said the Roughyeds boss, who won’t reveal his hand until an hour before kick-off.

“We take one game at a time. They will all be tough so we prepare accordingly. Barrow are back here in a fortnight in the Challenge Cup. I have been asked a few times by reporters if, come Sunday, we will have one eye on that game as well.

“Not on your life. Before then, we will be battling for six league points, including the derby at Rochdale on Good Friday, and the last thing on our minds right now is a cup tie which is still two weeks away.



The full version of this story is in tonight’s print and eChron editions