Last updated at 12:09, Thursday, 28 June 2012

Kiwi Andreas Bauer has been praised for his bravery in the incident that cost him a face-full of stitches in the west Cumbrian derby – and he is expected to show more by returning to action for Whitehaven this weekend.

Andreas Bauer

Bauer was left with a string of stitches in an horrific gash to his cheek after he dived for the ball against Workington Town last weekend. But the full-back is set to return to action in the clash with visitors Oldham.

“He put his body on the line and showed a lot of character and courage,” said coach Don Gailer. “And seven days later he will probably show some more by wanting to play again.”

Bauer returned to action for Haven at Derwent Park after suffering his injury, his head swathed in a bandage, though the cause of the cut remains a mystery.

“I’ve had a look at it on DVD, but can’t see how it happened,” added Gailer, who thought his side were unlucky to go down 30-28 against Town. I’m just happy we put to bed the question mark over the forwards. I thought our forwards dominated theirs.

“We were better in the middle, but they continued to get the lucky bounce. Although you make your own luck, it bounced for them on the day. We’ve copped a lot of criticism against that team all year, and on the day we were the better side, no doubt about it.

“It didn’t come out on the scoreboard, but I’ve said from day one, that players will never have a problem with me, if they give everything.

“No one had any petrol left in the tank when they got back in after the game, it was a massive effort, and I think our supporters appreciated that.”

First published at 11:27, Thursday, 28 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk