Eaton wary of Hornets' sting

1:53pm Friday 12th September 2008

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Cougars coach Barry Eaton has warned his side they will need to be at their best to avoid being stung by in-form Rochdale Hornets.

Their opponents in the elimination semi-final at Cougar Park on Sunday have come from nowhere during the second half of the campaign, causing an upset at York in last week’s play-off.

Eaton said: “That result for Rochdale was very good and it looked like it was a resounding result as well.

“We need to be on our guard because I’m certain that Rochdale’s form over the last eight weeks or so has been right up there with the best sides in Co-operative National League Two.

“They were well out of the play-off places at one stage but have had a real confident run since Darren Shaw took over and they are threatening.

“It’s going to be a tough match and we’ll have to improve on last week but we’re in there and know what to expect.”

The Cougars progressed with victory over Workington and if they win again on Sunday they face the losers of the qualifying semi-final between Oldham and Doncaster for the right to play in the Grand Final at Warrington later this month.

Prop Andy Shickell, who scored a hat-trick during last week’s win, has had a calf strain but is expected to recover in time for the showdown.

Eaton hopes to name the same squad as Greg Nicholson is still not fully recovered from a shoulder injury, although Gavin Duffy is pushing hard for a place if anyone drops out.

Hornets boss Shaw said: “I’ve already had a look at Keighley. They’re a very well-drilled side and it’s going to be a real battle for us if we want to progress.”

Meanwhile, the Cougars have been boosted as in-form ex-Widnes centre Dan Potter – who scored twice in their 36-22 triumph at Rochdale earlier this season – has agreed to stay in 2009.

They have also signed Clayton amateur Dan Belcher, a 19-year-old goal-kicking full-back who has impressed in the Reserve Grade.

Eaton said: “We’ve high hopes for him.

“Dan could certainly play first team next year. Our reserve coach Brendan Hill has connections at Clayton and that helped getting him down here.

“He’s a great goal-kicker with a strike rate of about 85 per cent so that’s another string to his bow.”