Woodward gearing up for LSH’s relegation scrap

Feb 13 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL ST HELENS always knew that this Saturday’s encounter with co-strugglers Darlington would be crucial but last Saturday’s agonising defeat at Sheffield and Altrincham Kersal’s win at Birkenhead make it even more so.

This is, effectively, the last chance saloon for Paul Woodward’s men as they fight to stay in North One.

A win for the North East visitors would put them four points clear of LSH who are currently level on points with Penrith but two behind Kersal. With just six games left and three clubs for the drop Woodward is well aware of the significance.

He said: “We’ve used up all our lifelines now. It is up to no-one but ourselves. We’ve still got to go to Altrincham but need to win on Saturday to keep our hopes alive.”

There is good reason for the Moss Laners’ renowned optimism judged on their two most recent performances and the one point defeat at Darlington earlier in the season.

Woodward knows he has little need to motivate his men and ask for effort. Rather, the respected Head Coach is calling for greater care and control from his men at crucial times.

He said: “We have competed with and outfought our opposition many times this season but have continued to make too many silly mistakes like last Saturday’s late penalty which, as well as our own misses, cost us the game.”

Woodward is likely to delay his team selection this week as both Richie Bailey and Martin McGeogh picked up injuries at Sheffield.

Although the continuing absence of powerful centre Mark Dickinson with a broken hand is still a big loss, LSH will be hoping for a repeat performance from promising young centre Jeff Foulkes on Saturday.