Vikings need improvement to continue

Feb 28 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

HEAD coach Steve McCormack wants his side to build on last night’s 13-try demolition of Barrow Raiders when Vikings entertain hapless Blackpool Panthers this Sunday.

The Vikings emerged 78-0 winners from a clinical display against the Cumbrians but McCormack knows his side still need to improve.

They lost 20-10 against Leigh last week and McCormack admitted: “Our discipline and inability to keep hold off the ball let us down and that's something we need to work on.”

Blackpool are still searching for their first win in 18 months.

But the Panthers should be fired up on Sunday after coach Martin Crompton labelled them “gutless” in the wake of last week's defeat by Barrow.

Crompton said: “Hopefully it will give me the ammunition to give the players a major reality check and remind them there's still a lot of hard work to be done.”

Meanwhile, Barrow coach Dave Clark is expected to make numerous changes for the visit of Leigh after a young Raiders side lost 78-0 at Stobart Stadium Halton.

Pat Weisner could keep his place but Clark will opt to fill his squad with experience.

Clark said: "This is a game we've been targeting. Leigh have competed well in the Northern Rail Cup and they've come through undefeated. They'll ask big questions of us during the game, we know that."

Andy Hobson (elbow) is Leigh's main injury concern, with Centurions' football manager Darren Shaw admitting he is rated "doubtful" at best.

Leigh beat Widnes 20-10 at the weekend with Shaw challenging his troops to continue their form.

He said: “We got together on Tuesday night and all our talk was about maintaining this level of performance.”