GDixon

Published at 01:00, Tuesday, 14 August 2007

RAIDERS’ injury problems have started to mount ahead of the crucial run-in to the play-offs.

Playmaker Pat Weisner came off during the second half of Sunday’s 54-4 win over Keighley Cougars with a hamstring strain.

It also emerged that replacement pivot Chris Archer had chipped a bone in his elbow at Cougar Park and now needs to see a specialist.

Line-breaking forward Martin Ostler, who has missed the last two games with a pulled hamstring, is also not certain to be fit for this Sunday’s derby away to Workington Town.

Raiders, lying third, badly need to win their last three league fixtures — home games with Blackpool and leaders Featherstone folllow — to gain one of the favoured play-off slots.

Coach Paul Crarey says they will be pulling out all the stops to beat Friday’s transfer deadline.

He adds: “We don’t know the full extent of Pat’s injury yet but he is very doubtful for Sunday. Chris Archer is out.

“We may have to leave Martin Ostler’s return another fortnight until the Blackpool game.

“The club is making every effort to bring in new blood but we’ve been knocked back.”

l The supporters’ coach to Derwent Park will leave Walney Prom at 10.45am on Sunday to give fans the chance of catching the Academy curtain-raiser, cost £6 adults and children.

l Dalton take on Askam tonight in the first round of the Barton Townley Cup at Kelland Park (kick-off 6.30pm).

Askam travel to Millom next Tuesday for the Ivor Kelland Memorial Trophy first round tie.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk