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A strange game last Monday at the Keepmoat Stadium where the Dons raced into a 32-6 half time lead against London Skolars, showing some of the form that had upset York City Knights in the previous home game. However, the second half was a bitter disappointment by comparison as the Skolars roared back against a backdrop of Dons errors to gain a bonus point, finishing much the stronger but going down 38-28.
A win however is a win and we move on to the next fixture and a trip to Gateshead who would still be in the bottom two of Championship One even if they had not been deducted 6 points for entering administration.
This Season has so far been a struggle for Gateshead as the heart was ripped out of the squad at the end of last season following financial difficulties, something the Dons faithful can certainly relate to. Imports Paul Franze, Kris Kahler and Nick Youngquest have all gone as have other high profile players such as hooker Andrew Henderson, goal-kicking second row forward Michael Knowles, centre Dylan Nash and half back Neil Thorman.
The 'Thunder' will however be buoyed by this weeks news that Ireland International Coach Andy Kelly has returned to the Gateshead International Stadium but need to bounce back from a heavy defeat last time out. No less than twelve tries were conceded as York City Knights brushed them aside 72-14. A mini injury crisis also needs to be negated with a number of key players missing the game at the Huntington Stadium including wingers Jimmy Atkinson, Robin Peers and Joe Brown (the latter ex Doncaster), centre Matt Garside, prop forwards Jason Payne and Mark Walker plus second row forward Ade Aderiye.
Players who should feature include full back and goalkicker Kevin Neighbour, now in his ninth season with the Club, former Hunslet Hawks centre Michael Brown, stand off Liam Duffy and forwards Matt Barron, Richie Humphries (formerly with Sheffield Eagles) and Fijian International Tabua Cakacaka.
Tony Miller believes that his squad of players are improving but was disappointed that in the second half on Monday they seemed to want to score from every play and puts some of that down to the relative inexperience of much of the squad. He is expecting a better showing this weekend.
Danny Allen's loan spell has ended and he has returned to Featherstone Rovers but prop forward Matt Carbutt who was with the Dons in 2009 has re-signed. On the injury front, Grant Edwards requires a further scan on his injured knee and Craig Fawcett is at least a month away from a return but better news concerns Scott Johnson who will be available for the Blackpool fixture. Liam Brown requires a scan to determine the extent of a shoulder injury but having recovered from an injury Jarryn Osbourne is now unavailable due to work commitments.
The Club and Tony Miller in particular are still on the lookout for reinforcements and thought that a deal had been done to bring in Hull FC reserve grade winger Dennis Tuffour on dual-registration only for the player to elect to join York City Knights on a similar deal at the eleventh hour.
Don't forget, for those who can't make the game, you can stay in touch with our live score service. Click Here
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| The Co-operative Championship One 2010 |
|
Team |
Pts |
+/- |
| 1 |
Hunslet |
55 |
505 |
| 2 |
Oldham |
52 |
256 |
| 3 |
York |
39 |
83 |
| 4 |
Blackpool |
38 |
430 |
| 5 |
Rochdale |
37 |
132 |
| 6 |
South Wales |
34 |
108 |
| 7 |
Workington |
33 |
-4 |
| 8 |
Swinton |
33 |
-11 |
| 9 |
Doncaster |
28 |
-70 |
| 10 |
London |
10 |
-456 |
| 11 |
Gateshead |
-2 |
-973 |
Full Table 
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