Park rue late collapse

Feb 20 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NOT FOR the first time this season, West Park pressed the self-destruct button to plunge dangerously close to the relegation zone.

They finished the tense tussle with top of the table Tynedale totally bewildered at the final scoreline of 34-3 after being well in contention for most of the game. In fact, as the game moved into added time at the end just 12 points separated the sides. Then the home side ran in three late tries.

West Park have struggled with their discipline. Compared with last season when the Merseysiders picked up five yellow cards, this season, with seven games remaining, they have registered 17 yellow and two red.

The Merseysiders now have to pick up the pieces with home advantage against an improving Fylde side that has recruited the likes of former Waterloo stars Craig Aikman and Neil Hunter.

Stand-off Neil Ryan has recovered from tonsilitis and he could well make a return, as should centre Dave Cunliffe.