Old boy Moran misses return clash

Feb 21 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

LEIGH Centurions star Dennis Moran will be sidelined for Sunday’s Northern Cup reunion with former club Widnes Vikings at Hilton Park.

The influential half-back has been ruled out for up to two months with a back injury.

Football manager Shaw said: “It's something Dennis can't mess about with.

“He's got to make sure he's right so he's going to be at least six to eight weeks.”

Regarding Sunday's clash with Widnes, Shaw added: “We know we've still got a fair bit of work to do to get to where we want to be.

“We got a result last week but we know our performance isn't where it needs to be just yet.”

Dave McConnell (ankle) is doubtful for the hosts but Vikings' boss Steve McCormack is picking from full strength.

Lee Paterson, Paul Noone and Iain Morrison have all returned to the Widnes squad, giving McCormack plenty of options.

McCormack said: “We're looking forward to this game. Our young players showed their ability in our home fixture against Leigh and with a couple of different bounces of the ball we could have won that game – we've got nothing to fear.”

Elsewhere in the group, Blackpool Panthers' boss and former Vikings skipper Martin Crompton is hopeful of registering his side's first win since July 2006 when they welcome Barrow Raiders.

Crompton's side have made rapid progress in 2008 but they are still searching for their maiden campaign victory.

Crompton said: “I'd like to think we can get the win, but we know it's certainly not going to be easy - Barrow have got players coming back into their side.

“I was delighted with our effort and commitment last week but we're still falling short in a few areas. There's still improvement to be made if we want to get to where we want to be.”

Pat Weisner (calf strain) is being monitored by Raiders' coach Dave Clark, although he is not expected to feature for the visitors.

Clark said: “The competition has definitely got stronger and Martin Crompton has done some very good work down there.

“Lee Marsh and Martin Gambles are big threats and we've got to shut down their forwards, too. They asked us a lot of questions in defence a couple of weeks ago so we'll have to be on our toes again.”