Post by Druzik on Sept 26, 2008 17:50:17 GMT 10
SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
CO-OPERATIVE NATIONAL LEAGUE ONE GRAND FINAL
SALFORD CITY REDS v CELTIC CRUSADERS
Gareth Dean is the Crusaders’ only injury concern ahead of Sunday’s Co-operative National League One Grand Final.
Celtic boss John Dixon admitted: “We’re trying everything we can to get Gareth Dean fit to play but it may be that we have to go without him.”
The Welshmen booked their place in Sunday’s showpiece with a stunning win at Salford two weeks ago.
Dixon steered the club to automatic promotion from Co-operative National League Two last year and this will be their first major final, but the Crusaders coach is confident his squad can handle the big-match pressure.
“We've come to play,” he said. “That's not an issue for us at all.
“All Grand Finals start on an even keel. The best two teams meet on a given day at a neutral venue - what happens after that, who knows? I don't think there's much between us though, that's for sure.”
Reds coach Shaun McRae, a former Challenge Cup and Super League winner, said: “I’ve said all year that these are the two best teams in the competition. When we’ve played the Celtic Crusaders they’ve definitely been the best side we’ve faced all year.”
He added: “We’re in the game for a lot of different reasons and one of those is to win everything you go in for.
“There are a lot of other reasons to be involved but certainly success is important to a lot of people.
“We’re in the Grand Final but we want to win the game. Athletes don’t like coming second.”
CO-OPERATIVE NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFF FINAL
OLDHAM v DONCASTER
Oldham boss Steve Deakin has warned Neil Roden that he will take no chances in his squad selection for Sunday’s promotion decider.
Roden damaged a hamstring during last week’s victory over Rochdale but Deakin insisted: “Neil will have to show us that he is 100 per cent capable of getting through the game and, to be honest, I would be very surprised if he is able to play.”
Deakin added: “We have the ability to beat anyone at this level if we look after ourselves and retain our discipline under pressure. By that I don't just mean playing penalty-free rugby league, but by being disciplined enough to keep our shape, to remain patient and to build pressure.
“We have to go to Warrington confident in our ability to win the crown.”
He continued: “You always need a little bit of luck. We didn't get it in the bid for automatic promotion so if we can't get it one way, let's go for it the other way.”
Doncaster coach Ellery Hanley is preparing his side for their second major final of the year.
The Dons were heavy losers against Salford in this year’s Northern Rail Cup Final but they are hoping for better luck on Sunday.
Assistant coach Tony Miller told the Doncaster Free Press: “It's crunch time for us.
“But we're going into the game in good form and we're quietly confident.
”We know it's going to be a tough game and, although anyone can win in a final, I'm optimistic it will be us.”
Mark Castle is fully fit after overcoming a back problem but Zeb Luisi (neck) is still doubtful.
CO-OPERATIVE NATIONAL LEAGUE ONE GRAND FINAL
SALFORD CITY REDS v CELTIC CRUSADERS
Gareth Dean is the Crusaders’ only injury concern ahead of Sunday’s Co-operative National League One Grand Final.
Celtic boss John Dixon admitted: “We’re trying everything we can to get Gareth Dean fit to play but it may be that we have to go without him.”
The Welshmen booked their place in Sunday’s showpiece with a stunning win at Salford two weeks ago.
Dixon steered the club to automatic promotion from Co-operative National League Two last year and this will be their first major final, but the Crusaders coach is confident his squad can handle the big-match pressure.
“We've come to play,” he said. “That's not an issue for us at all.
“All Grand Finals start on an even keel. The best two teams meet on a given day at a neutral venue - what happens after that, who knows? I don't think there's much between us though, that's for sure.”
Reds coach Shaun McRae, a former Challenge Cup and Super League winner, said: “I’ve said all year that these are the two best teams in the competition. When we’ve played the Celtic Crusaders they’ve definitely been the best side we’ve faced all year.”
He added: “We’re in the game for a lot of different reasons and one of those is to win everything you go in for.
“There are a lot of other reasons to be involved but certainly success is important to a lot of people.
“We’re in the Grand Final but we want to win the game. Athletes don’t like coming second.”
CO-OPERATIVE NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFF FINAL
OLDHAM v DONCASTER
Oldham boss Steve Deakin has warned Neil Roden that he will take no chances in his squad selection for Sunday’s promotion decider.
Roden damaged a hamstring during last week’s victory over Rochdale but Deakin insisted: “Neil will have to show us that he is 100 per cent capable of getting through the game and, to be honest, I would be very surprised if he is able to play.”
Deakin added: “We have the ability to beat anyone at this level if we look after ourselves and retain our discipline under pressure. By that I don't just mean playing penalty-free rugby league, but by being disciplined enough to keep our shape, to remain patient and to build pressure.
“We have to go to Warrington confident in our ability to win the crown.”
He continued: “You always need a little bit of luck. We didn't get it in the bid for automatic promotion so if we can't get it one way, let's go for it the other way.”
Doncaster coach Ellery Hanley is preparing his side for their second major final of the year.
The Dons were heavy losers against Salford in this year’s Northern Rail Cup Final but they are hoping for better luck on Sunday.
Assistant coach Tony Miller told the Doncaster Free Press: “It's crunch time for us.
“But we're going into the game in good form and we're quietly confident.
”We know it's going to be a tough game and, although anyone can win in a final, I'm optimistic it will be us.”
Mark Castle is fully fit after overcoming a back problem but Zeb Luisi (neck) is still doubtful.