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Lions ready for play-off shock

20/ 9/2002

SWINTON LIONS have been bolstered by the return of four players ahead of their big play-off against Sheffield.

Prop Dale Holdstock has recovered from his foot injury, while Wayne English is

back to fitness after he too broke a bone in his foot eight weeks ago. Add

Phil Cushion and Rob Gallagher to the equation and coach Phil Veivers can

call upon an experienced line-up.

Only hooker Rob Barraclough is out of contention with concussion, but

Veivers has sufficient alternatives in Craig Dean, Dave Gibbons and Peter

Cannon to choose from.

"We should have a full compliment, apart from Barraclough, so that is a

boost going into the game," said Veivers.

"Sheffield will be a difficult prospect on their own pitch, but it shouldn't hold any fears for the players. We ran them close last month. I don't see why we can't go one better, but the players have got to do things right," he added.

Eagles Coach Mark Aston says he is constantly reminding his players about the possibility of complacency setting in before the kick off.

"We shouldn't under-estimate Swinton," he said, "They came here a few weeks ago and ran us close, so we should be very careful.''