ROXY Fearon admits Derby have hit a rough patch at exactly the wrong time in their bid for Midlands One East promotion.
Successive defeats to Matlock and Kettering have kept the door ajar for their play-off rivals to make a late charge for the runners-up spot behind champions Peterborough Lions.
Fearon’s men are still nine points clear of nearest challengers Old Northamptonians with only three matches to play.
But the two sides still have to play each other, at Haslams Lane next weekend, and a mounting injury list is not helping Derby’s cause.
“It’s all happening at the wrong time,” said head coach Fearon.
“We thought we had enough strength in depth but we’ve missed key players.”
It looks like being another stern test for Derby tomorrow, when they travel to fifth-placed Newark, who have won their last four games.
“Newark will be tough,” said Fearon. “They have run into a bit of form of late.
“They went through a bad patch earlier in the season, a bit like we’re going through now.
“But they seem to have turned a corner and are looking strong now.
“We’ll go there and give it our best shot.
“A win against Matlock last weekend would have given us some breathing space but now we really need something from Newark, even if it’s just a bonus point.”
In their previous outing, ONs were 39-5 winners at Bugbrooke, who could also still mathematically finish second.
ONs will be looking for maximum points at home to rock bottom Coalville this weekend to pile on the pressure ahead of their showdown with Derby.
“It now looks like ONs at home will be a defining game,” said Fearon.
“They have hit a bit of form and are making a late charge for the play-off spot.
“If we win that game, we’re in the play-off. If we lose, it’s all up in the air going into the last game.”
On top of those already missing, winger Ryan Manning is out for a couple of weeks after suffering a head injury in the defeat to Matlock and prop Ben Coombes (back) is touch and go to be fit for Newark.
Possible replacements for Manning, Lewis Hancock (hamstring) and Ryan Milton (knee), are still out, as is forward Jamie Twigg (chest).
Ben Marlow returns at centre, so Tom Taylor-Dawes should revert back to number eight.
Elsewhere, relegation-threatened Matlock have a massive game at home to Huntingdon District, while Ilkeston visit Market Rasen.
In Midlands One West, promotion-chasing Burton visit Silhillians.
Article source: http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2014-03-18/rugby-league-challenge-cup-draw/
Rugby union: Derby"s dip has come at wrong time, admits head coach
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