PAUL Crarey expects Brad Brennan and James Duerden to help Barrow Raiders maintain the same levels of performance from their first eight games after the duo were drafted in for this afternoon's trip to Newcastle Thunder.

Martin Aspinwall is still suffering from the virus which kept him out of last week's 26-10 win over Workington Town, and Andrew Dawson is sidelined after contracting the same illness.

That means Duerden gets another start at loose forward and prop Brennan comes on to the bench in place of former Millom amateur Dawson, with head coach Crarey eager to maintain the high standards Raiders have set during their unbeaten start.

“It's about the boys who are coming in, keeping it going and keeping the consistency of our attack and defence going,” said Crarey. “It shouldn't change when we change, it's got to stay the same, so we're looking for the same desire and passion.

“We've set our standards this year on how we defend and it has been phenomenal, really. We've just got to be strong ourselves and everybody will try that little bit harder to beat us now. Games will get tough and physical, and we've got to ride all of that out.

“We've got a massive pack, two outstanding halves and a very quick back line, so we've got the recipe to do very well and it's down to us not to let our standards slip.”

The good news for Crarey is that Dan Toal and Bradd Crellin are able to feature in the Kingstone Press League One encounter at Kingston Park, after both were forced off in the win over Workington due to shoulder injuries.

Crarey again praised physio Matthew Lippett and his staff for getting the pair back to fitness in time to be able to take part in both of this week's training sessions, yet he is in no doubt the squad has the depth to cope in the absence of any players.

“They've assessed them and treated them, and they were fine to train,” said Crarey. “I spoke to the lads themselves and we won't play anybody unless the physios say they can.

“After every session, we sit down with the physios and they give a report and an assessment on who might be fit for the weekend, who's not and we confirm it on Thursday if they can play. He has assured me 100 per cent they can play.

“We've got two quality players coming in for two quality players who are missing and that has been the strength for us this year.

“We've missed Danny Morrow – who was outstanding before he was injured – Matty Holmes, Karl Ashall, Max Wiper, Chris Fleming and Brett Carter, and we've still managed to function with all of these players out.”

Crarey has warned Barrow to be prepared for a backlash from Newcastle this afternoon as the hosts aim to rebound from back-to-back defeats against North Wales Crusaders, along with anticipating a fast-flowing game on the Thunder's artificial pitch.

He is also wary of the danger posed by former Workington prop Liam McAvoy, who made the switch to Newcastle during the off-season.

“I coached Liam, he's a good kid and he brings a passion to the game, so we've got to match that,” said Crarey, who came across the 23-year-old during a short spell doing some coaching at Derwent Park.

“I met Liam and was very impressed with the way he approached thing, and if his team-mates have got the same mentality as him they will do well, but hopefully we can come out on top by Friday night.

“We've got to defend like we have been and probably be a bit more patient with the ball, and respect the ball on carries.

“What we do well is we grind well and defend well, and that frustrates teams and then they try to over-play to break us down. Hopefully that will happen at Newcastle.”