Cobras sights on semi-final upset

FIT AND RARING TO GO: Steve Standring is in line for a recall to the Waterhead squad after recovering from injury.

A PLACE in the Standard Cup final is up for grabs at Waterhead Park tomorrow — with newcomers Rochdale Cobras aiming to pull off a major shock.

The Cobras club was only formed for the start of this season, but a solid start in North-West Counties League division six has helped to boost confidence levels ahead of the game at Waterhead (1.15pm kick off), their biggest test so far.

With one or two promising talents — including winger or centre Adam Butterworth, who has represented Lancashire this season — veteran coach Sid Miller is hopeful of using their status as unknown quantities to spring a shock and claim a place in the Oldham Amateur League’s showpiece event at Boundary Park on Good Friday.

“We have only played twice at home, but we have won five overall so that is a good start,” said Miller, whose side are well-placed in fifth with games in hand over teams above them.

“We won a sevens tournament at Keighley before the season started and have progressed from there. Some of the lads we have got have never played before and it is a case of getting the basics drilled into them.

“I do fancy us a bit, if everyone is fit, and it would be amazing if we could make it to the final.”

Waterhead coach Mick Slicker admits they are entering the game not knowing too much about their opponents, but there is unlikely to be any complacency from his side.

“Getting to the final was the target at the start of the season and it is a big opportunity for us,” said Slicker, who is still without the services of Alan Williamson (knee ligaments), who resumed training this week, Scott Frost (shoulder), Paddy Slicker (leg) and Nick Johnson (calf).

Steve Standring is back after injury and in contention for a recall.

The current holders of the trophy are Saddleworth Rangers, who defeated Oldham St Anne’s 15-8 at a snow-swept Boundary Park earlier this year.

The pair are still due to do battle in the other semi-final, in a game originally set for tomorrow. Saints, though, are involved in BARLA National Cup second-round action.

They are at home to National Conference League premier division outfit Leigh Miners Rangers (2pm), following the postponement last week due to an unfit Higginshaw Road pitch.

St Anne’s coach Mick Cashin has no fresh injury concerns and with his side not having played for a month due to the adverse weather, he is hoping his players step up to the plate — particularly with a home derby clash with Saddleworth Rangers in the league in store on Saturday, December 27.

“It will give us a good indication of where we are up to,” said Cashin, who is hoping the playing surface holds up in order to prevent an enforced switch to the Leigh side’s ground. A decision on that will be made later today.