37 replies to this topic

[Bryce]

Anyone going to predict a record scoreline for Sunday? I'll be happy with any win, but probably looking at 60+ points again. Steve Mac said that the injured players will not be back and I'm assuming Mr Ainscough will be out with his broken nose.

Mort
Foxen
Dodd
Reay
Flooks
Forber
Watson
Wingfield
Ashall
Wilson
Cunniffe
Gallagher
Joseph

Smith
D.Hawkyard
Fitzpatrick
Mervill

Hopefully get a decent attendance after recent performances, come on you Lions!!!

[Blakemore]

Mort to break all time points record which he was 2 away from doing against oldham so you have to fancy him to do so on sunday and i can also see it being over 100 points scored by the mighty lions!!! Lets get an atmosphere at home for a change as away days have been best so far

[LOYALION]

I agree it could be a large scoreline in our favour but I personally don't like it. Good wins yes but record mailings don't do a great deal for us on the long run and totally destroys the other teams confidence for the rest of their campaign/future.
It is pleasing however that we can be thinking in these terms with a number of players on the treatment table which shows how deep the vein of talent runs through the club at the moment. If we could add youth development to this it would be wonderful!
Having said all this I'm sure Steve Mac will be telling the lads not to hold back on Sunday and nor should he!
Come on you Lions!!!!!!!!!

[PhillH]

The next two weeks are a test of professionalism.

It will be interesting to see if Steve McCormack really does go with his best available side, or go for the approach Keighley took a couple of weeks ago of giving fringe players game time against the league's weaker opponents. I'll be particularly interested to see if Carl Forber gets his chance in light of Martin Ainscough's nose injury. If there is any shadow of doubt fitness-wise, there is no point risking Ainscough in the next two matches in my opinion.

As last year showed, points difference could prove crucial. With so few league games to play in this competition nowadays, the margins between the top sides at the end of the year tend to be fairly narrow. Having the strongest points difference could prove well worthwhile and give the dividing line between automatic promotion or having to face the play offs.

The last two meetings with Gateshead have thrown up circumstances (in the 2010 league table and 2011 Late Trains Cup) where the Lions had a clear target to aim at in order to have any chance of getting into the next phase of a competition. Everyone knew there was no scope to ease off the throttle at any stage of the 80 minutes. Sadly even two hammerings were not enough in the end, as in both instances the Lions had left themselves too much to do. C'est la vie and all in the past, but my hope is that everyone has learned the lessons of those two near misses and now recognises that the opportunity to possibly ram home a big score should be taken. The team still needs to earn the right to play - no point trying to throw the ball about like a hot potatoe from the first set - the key to success is still to execute the basics well, respect possession of the ball first and foremost.

We also have a very competitive squad and a coach that is doing an excellent job so far of motivating each player that comes in, despite the difficult circumstance of having no reserve side to give the fringe players a chance to keep their eye in. Players have come "in from the cold" and apparently performed really well. The players are aware of the competition they face for a place in the side, and when the opportunity presents itself - even if it is against lower lights such as Gateshead or the Skolars - they need to take the chance to stake their claim. So squad strength should also help motivate the players that are lucky enough to play.

Probably something like:

Mort; Foxen, Dodd, Reay, Flooks; Forber, Watson; Morrison, Smith, Wilson, Wingfield, Gallagher, Joseph. Subs Ashall, Cunniffe, Tyrer, Merville.

Not convinced the attendances will be brilliant for these two matches to be honest - there will be a maximum of 20 away supporters at both. The Salford home game this Saturday night lessens the likelihood of their fans going on the Sunday. Then the Skolars match clashes with United at home the same afternoon. I suspect there might be a flat atmosphere given the likely one sided nature of the matches, which makes it less likely the team will really go for it. So I'll go for a big win but not earth shattering, something like 52-10.

[Furryenzo]

The next two weeks are a test of professionalism.

It will be interesting to see if Steve McCormack really does go with his best available side, or go for the approach Keighley took a couple of weeks ago of giving fringe players game time against the league's weaker opponents. I'll be particularly interested to see if Carl Forber gets his chance in light of Martin Ainscough's nose injury. If there is any shadow of doubt fitness-wise, there is no point risking Ainscough in the next two matches in my opinion.

As last year showed, points difference could prove crucial. With so few league games to play in this competition nowadays, the margins between the top sides at the end of the year tend to be fairly narrow. Having the strongest points difference could prove well worthwhile and give the dividing line between automatic promotion or having to face the play offs.

The last two meetings with Gateshead have thrown up circumstances (in the 2010 league table and 2011 Late Trains Cup) where the Lions had a clear target to aim at in order to have any chance of getting into the next phase of a competition. Everyone knew there was no scope to ease off the throttle at any stage of the 80 minutes. Sadly even two hammerings were not enough in the end, as in both instances the Lions had left themselves too much to do. C'est la vie and all in the past, but my hope is that everyone has learned the lessons of those two near misses and now recognises that the opportunity to possibly ram home a big score should be taken. The team still needs to earn the right to play - no point trying to throw the ball about like a hot potatoe from the first set - the key to success is still to execute the basics well, respect possession of the ball first and foremost.

We also have a very competitive squad and a coach that is doing an excellent job so far of motivating each player that comes in, despite the difficult circumstance of having no reserve side to give the fringe players a chance to keep their eye in. Players have come "in from the cold" and apparently performed really well. The players are aware of the competition they face for a place in the side, and when the opportunity presents itself - even if it is against lower lights such as Gateshead or the Skolars - they need to take the chance to stake their claim. So squad strength should also help motivate the players that are lucky enough to play.

Probably something like:

Mort; Foxen, Dodd, Reay, Flooks; Forber, Watson; Morrison, Smith, Wilson, Wingfield, Gallagher, Joseph. Subs Ashall, Cunniffe, Tyrer, Merville.

Not convinced the attendances will be brilliant for these two matches to be honest - there will be a maximum of 20 away supporters at both. The Salford home game this Saturday night lessens the likelihood of their fans going on the Sunday. Then the Skolars match clashes with United at home the same afternoon. I suspect there might be a flat atmosphere given the likely one sided nature of the matches, which makes it less likely the team will really go for it. So I'll go for a big win but not earth shattering, something like 52-10.

Agree 100% 52-10 sounds like a realistic scoreline. Cant see us breaking many records sadly, it depends how up for it gateshead are. If they lie down and die it could be pretty horrific on their part. Also agree with the atmosphere comments, tumbleweed may be the order of the day. However the lions should look at this as a training exercise, and the players should realise they are still playing for position, no matter how likely the win is!

Mort
Foxen
Dodd
Reay
Flooks
Forber (will be interesting to see if he plays and how well he does)
Watson
Wingfield
Smith
Morrison
Cunniffe
Gallagher
Joseph

Ashall (better used as an impact sub in my view, his style works better on tired legs)
D.Hawkyard
Fitzpatrick (hope to see more of big Joe, played excellently against east hull)
Wilson

[marshy1]

Agree 100% 52-10 sounds like a realistic scoreline. Cant see us breaking many records sadly, it depends how up for it gateshead are. If they lie down and die it could be pretty horrific on their part. Also agree with the atmosphere comments, tumbleweed may be the order of the day. However the lions should look at this as a training exercise, and the players should realise they are still playing for position, no matter how likely the win is!

Mort
Foxen
Dodd
Reay
Flooks
Forber (will be interesting to see if he plays and how well he does)
Watson
Wingfield
Smith
Morrison
Cunniffe
Gallagher
Joseph

Ashall (better used as an impact sub in my view, his style works better on tired legs)
D.Hawkyard
Fitzpatrick (hope to see more of big Joe, played excellently against east hull)
Wilson

Can't quite agree with the comment "they should look at this as a training excercise" we should be aiming to score as many points as is possible in the 80 mins.I very much doubt a Wigan or St Helens side would say anything different,you can only beat what is put in front of you and we should do a thorough job on Gateshead.I would pick my fittest strongest starting 13 as Mr Hudson has stated points may well be crucial come the season end.I'll go for 66-6 as a scoreline,hoping it will be greater.

[marshy1]

Agree 100% 52-10 sounds like a realistic scoreline. Cant see us breaking many records sadly, it depends how up for it gateshead are. If they lie down and die it could be pretty horrific on their part. Also agree with the atmosphere comments, tumbleweed may be the order of the day. However the lions should look at this as a training exercise, and the players should realise they are still playing for position, no matter how likely the win is!

Mort
Foxen
Dodd
Reay
Flooks
Forber (will be interesting to see if he plays and how well he does)
Watson
Wingfield
Smith
Morrison
Cunniffe
Gallagher
Joseph

Ashall (better used as an impact sub in my view, his style works better on tired legs)
D.Hawkyard
Fitzpatrick (hope to see more of big Joe, played excellently against east hull)
Wilson

Can't quite agree with the comment "they should look at this as a training excercise" we should be aiming to score as many points as is possible in the 80 mins.I very much doubt a Wigan or St Helens side would say anything different,you can only beat what is put in front of you and we should do a thorough job on Gateshead.I would pick my fittest strongest starting 13 as Mr Hudson has stated points may well be crucial come the season end.I'll go for 66-6 as a scoreline,hoping it will be greater.

[PhillH]

Agree 100% 52-10 sounds like a realistic scoreline. Cant see us breaking many records sadly, it depends how up for it gateshead are. If they lie down and die it could be pretty horrific on their part.

Worth remembering that the Northern Rail Cup game up at Gateshead was a dead rubber for the Thunder and they put out far from a full strength side, Richard Pell admitting that he had targetted their Challenge Cup game the following week instead and rested a handful of their better players.

[Bryce]

We rested players as well Phil, and we had to travel to Gateshead, an achievement in itself!!!

And we put 94 past them last season with a "weaker" team. I agree with you though, I'd be happy with any kind of win, and it will definitely be a test of out professionalism. I can still see us putting a very big score past them as Steve Mac won't be happy with anything less than 100% effort for the full 80 mins.

[GLENNGARY]

Iagree with most of the comments apart from one, if Ainscough is unfit I would play Ashall at no.6, with his eye for a gap and his turn of pace off the mark I think he could be a revalation inthat position. Don,t forget he played at halfback for saints.

[duffymoon]

After scoring well over 100 points in our last two outings it would be good to see us nil Gateshead on Sunday.Lets hope the increase in our attendances also continues,after two good away wins especially the head turning demolition of Oldham some of our long lost fans may be tempted to return to the fold.With Gateshead and London Skolars not having the best travelling support attendances for the next two home games should give a good indication of our current fan base.

[Bryce]

Good shout for Ashall at 6, but I'd like to see Forber have his chance. Plus it would be a good opportunity to rest Mark Smith. Anywhere around the 500 mark would be a good attendance for this game. I doubt all the regular Lions fans would be interested in it, especially with it looking to be a one-sided contest, no offence to Gateshead.

[Bryce]

Not a brilliant performance but a win's a win!!! Clear at the top by 3 points now, although Keighley have a marginally better goal difference.

Defensively we were really bad for each of the 4 tries that Gateshead scored. Even though I think Gateshead were really good, credit to them for getting in our faces and playing some good stuff. Foxen was brilliant, every time we got it over to him he made something happen. Morrison ran it in well and was solid in the tackle. Ashall was impressive from the bench, as was Ainscough who has now scored in each of the last 7 games. Good to see, Johnson, Tyrer, Fitzpatrick and Forber get some much needed playing time (I think Forber played the full 80). Same again next week please Lions! But defensively we need to improve!!!

[Furryenzo]

Glad to see forber get some game time today, but not to be too harsh on the lad, he really didnt have any effect on the game. I dont know much about him but whether its confidence or ability, he doesn't seem to be the same class as the other options we have. Also good to see bruce back in action, who had a solid game.

Our defense today was woeful, we need to learn to tackle round the legs, they made far too many yards up the middle. Fair play to gateshead though they were really up for it and definitely did not look like a side who would be getting hammered every week. They were fast and powerful, I think the difference was the class in key positions for us.

All in all I dont think we took gateshead seriously, and especially in the first half an hour we had our a*ses handed to us. I dont think mcormack will be too pleased with the defensive effort and I hope we go into next weekends game with a better attitude. Poorest performance of the year for us and im guessing the best for gateshead. Also what a die hard set of fans!!!

My M.O.M - Rob Foxen

Edited by Furryenzo, 03 April 2011 - 06:19 PM.

[duffymoon]

Glad to see forber get some game time today, but not to be too harsh on the lad, he really didnt have any effect on the game. I dont know much about him but whether its confidence or ability, he doesn't seem to be the same class as the other options we have. Also good to see bruce back in action, who had a solid game.

Our defense today was woeful, we need to learn to tackle round the legs, they made far too many yards up the middle. Fair play to gateshead though they were really up for it and definitely did not look like a side who would be getting hammered every week. They were fast and powerful, I think the difference was the class in key positions for us.

All in all I dont think we took gateshead seriously, and especially in the first half an hour we had our a*ses handed to us. I dont think mcormack will be too pleased with the defensive effort and I hope we go into next weekends game with a better attitude. Poorest performance of the year for us and im guessing the best for gateshead. Also what a die hard set of fans!!!

My M.O.M - Rob Foxen

All credit to Gateshead,they were certainly much better than their recent performances have suggested.We were well below par today particularly in defence its the one aspect of our game that is slightly worrisome together with our discipline.Having said that we again scored some quality tries and I agree with the shout for Foxen as MOM,a quality hatrick from Rob.I would also like to congratulate the tannoy announcer for correctly pronouncing my surname as the shirt sponsor for Rob Foxen.

[Furryenzo]

All credit to Gateshead,they were certainly much better than their recent performances have suggested.We were well below par today particularly in defence its the one aspect of our game that is slightly worrisome together with our discipline.Having said that we again scored some quality tries and I agree with the shout for Foxen as MOM,a quality hatrick from Rob.I would also like to congratulate the tannoy announcer for correctly pronouncing my surname as the shirt sponsor for Rob Foxen.

Shame he couldn't get Dale 'Cunliffes' right!!!

[LOYALION]

Not impressed by Forber today but the lad hasn't had much game time this season. Same goes for Johnson who clearly wasn't up to full speed but full marks to Chris Tyrer who showed good aggression and willingness to work.
This is no criticism to Watson who has been great up to now but we need to look at who will step in if he picks up an i####y, and please don't say Ashall at either 6 or 7 as he is a revelation where he is at 9 and I don't like players being shuffled out of position.
With a bit more weight in the pack today in the form of Wilson, Wingfield, Joseph etc we would have scored more points but it's good to secure 3 with the team we had out.

Finally, how embarrassing is it to get our own players names wrong at home.
It's CUNNIFFE you dozy twonk!!!!!!!!!!!

[duffymoon]

Not impressed by Forber today but the lad hasn't had much game time this season. Same goes for Johnson who clearly wasn't up to full speed but full marks to Chris Tyrer who showed good aggression and willingness to work.
This is no criticism to Watson who has been great up to now but we need to look at who will step in if he picks up an i####y, and please don't say Ashall at either 6 or 7 as he is a revelation where he is at 9 and I don't like players being shuffled out of position.
With a bit more weight in the pack today in the form of Wilson, Wingfield, Joseph etc we would have scored more points but it's good to secure 3 with the team we had out.

Finally, how embarrassing is it to get our own players names wrong at home.
It's CUNNIFFE you dozy twonk!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes bring back Cainey! his dulcet tones have been sorely missed.

[PhillH]

Not too far off the expected final score, but must admit I was expecting the Lions to establish a decent lead and then ease off a bit, rather than have to come from 4-18 behind. Credit to Gateshead. Back to the sort of form that saw them test Sheffield in the Northern Rail Cup, at least it shows they can do it in patches.

Forber did really well at Blackpool alongside Hemmingway and Ainscough, when he was also the main goalkicker, perhaps its a confidence thing. He was also pretty annonymous in the Leigh match. When he signed I actually thought he would become first choice scrum half and it was the cue for Ian Watson to take a step back and concentrate a bit more on the coaching side of things. Ian Watson's form has so far seen off that idea. It could be that Forber isn't suited to the role of fringe player and to get the best from him he needs to be in the side every week and have his confidence built up. Its more difficult for a play making half back to come into a side fresh than it might be for players in other positions. We need to be ready should Ainscough or Watson be out of action for a while. Longer term I suspect winning Championship One might bring down the curtain on Ian Watson's playing career, but time will tell.

To some extent this performance was probably a symptom of the very difficult balancing act Steve McCormack has to pull off with giving fringe players an opportunity to keep their eye in, added to a few injuries. Wilson, Wingfield, Joseph all missing from the forwards with no word of either having suffered an injury yesterday. Its a worthy idea to give the likes of Tyrer and Fitzpatrick some game time but a bit surprising to see Joseph and Wilson among those rested, as both have missed a few matches already this season through various reasons. A luxury to be able to leave players of this calibre out of the side, in addition to the injuries to Rigby, Thompson, Holland, R Hawkyard, yet still win with a bit to spare in the end.

I've a feeling there might be some lessons learned and the Skolars will get a bit of a backlash next week. Lets hope so.

[mark richardson]

I thought in patches we were brilliant but for at least half the match we were appalling. I think complacency and arrogance crept in,and we took the win for granted. However Gateshead threw everything at us and credit to them.
Many teams will try the same against us and we showed today that we are not the finished article.

Some players gave their absolute all-Morrison,Cunniffe,Foxen,Dodd and as alway Watson,but for me Mort had a stinker. He was out of position,and he was lucky not to be sent off when he slid in with his legs trying to prevent one of Gatesheads tries. Smith fails to impress me,I think Flooks isnt quite there yet and Tommy Gallagher hasnt really taken control of any games yet either.
Plus we gave away numerous silly penalties which against better opposition would have led to defeat. I think we hopefully will have learnt a valuable lesson today and prepare a little more mentally for these "easier games."

Foxen is a joy to watch in full flight. Mom without a doubt.