It's possible

Whitley Warriors – by David Hall 18th February 2012

Ahead of his sides home game with Solihull Barons at Hillheads tomorrow night, Whitley Warriors player/coach Garry Dowd insisted his side can land a third consecutive English National League title; despite currently trailing Billingham Stars- with a game in hand - by five points.

“We are going for it,” he confirmed, “at the start of the season I would have more than settled for the position we are in now, but after beating them at their place in the cup last weekend, and  the way the Stars have wobbled of late, I think it is now possible we could pass them.

“Obviously they still have the advantage, but if we keep playing the way we have of late and they keep faltering; I’m sure it’s possible.”

Bottom of the table Solihull are the visitors to Hillheads tomorrow and after being shut-out in both their games last weekend, Dowd believes they will be like a wounded animal when they make the trip to the north east.

“The last thing they will want is to suffer a third such defeat,” continued the coach, “so we will have to be prepared for a tough game.

“They may be bottom, but the Barons have still pulled off some good results over the season and if we go into the game with anything like complacency hanging around the dressing room, they are more than capable of beating us.

“It’s that kind of league,” he added, “and it’s my job to make sure everyone is ready for the challenge and the whole side gives nothing less than 100% for the entire 60 minutes.”

However, ahead of the game Dowd has a tough decision to make as he can only play 22 of his 25 man squad.

“Steve Pritchard is out long-term with a knee trouble, while David Barrett picked up a back injury in the win at Billingham and is not ready to return on Sunday, so that means - for the first time this season - I have to tell one of the players he won’t be dressing,” he confirmed.

Tickets for the Solihull game are available on the night, priced at Adults £7.50, Under 16’s & Concessions £5.50, while a Family Ticket is available for £22. The action gets underway at 5.00pm and the doors open 30 minutes before face-off.