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View the Autumn / Winter 2011 issue of the Northern customer magazine

News

Benson's Burning Ambition

4th June 2009


Oldham boss Tony Benson says composure will be the key to whether his side can cause an upset against Co-operative Championship outfit Featherstone Rovers.

The Roughyeds are aiming to emulate Doncaster, who last year reached the Northern Rail Cup Final from National League Two.

Benson said: "In games like this, it's more a case of calming the players down and keeping them focused. We've got a fairly experienced side."

As Leigh Centurions head coach, Benson won the competition in 2006.

He added: "For me it's a real inspiration to push on, knowing how great it is to be in the final. That's driving me.

"Any experience in finals helps. It's different football and it's sudden death, but we've got to be realistic. We're playing a very good side and we've got to be well above our normal levels if we want to get a result."

Benson will give a late fitness test to Dave Allen (calf strain) but Thomas Coyle is definitely ruled out.

Featherstone could give a debut to Ross Divorty after signing the 20-year-old second row forward from Doncaster earlier this week.

Rovers coach Daryl Powell said: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign Ross and he'll give us options in our pack. He's an exciting young player who'll fit very well into the way we do things at Featherstone."

Iestyn Harris is definitely missing for Thursday's televised trip clash but the former Leeds and Bradford stand-off hopes to be back in action within three weeks.

Oldham v Featherstone Rovers ? Leigh Sporting Village Stadium ? Thursday 4 June ? 7:30pm live on Sky Sports 3