BLACKPOOL PANTHERS v ROCHDALE HORNETS

PLAYMAKER Chris Hough is sidelined, along with ex-Oldham coach Steve Molloy as Blackpool prepare to take on Rochdale at Preston Grasshopper RUFC.

Hough needed eight stitches in a head wound after last week’s Northern Rail Cup match against Swinton Lions and is extremely doubtful, while Molloy is still feeling the effects of some “heavy treatment’’ against his former club in the opening game of the campaign.

“I don’t feel it is worth risking either player under the circumstances,’’ said coach Mark Lee, who will call on Mike Watts, Gary Rourke and the much-travelled Willie Swann, who has returned from his short stay in New Zealand.

“Willie should give the side the lift we need. Things haven’t gone our way in the opening two games, but I feel that will change,’’ said Lee.

Rochdale, who’s postponed match against neighbours Oldham has been re-arranged for March 16th, are without standoff Radney Bowker, who successfully underwent surgery to remove damaged cartilage this week.

“He will be out of action for about three weeks,’’ said Coach Bobbie Goulding.

Prop Andy Leathem is another casualty after it was diagnosed that he suffered a fractured shoulder in the game against Swinton.

“He has to see a specialist on Friday and may need surgery too,’’ revealed Goulding, who is not expected to change his thinking, or indeed his squad, to face the Panthers.