Last updated at 11:43, Friday, 29 June 2012

Don Gailer has warned that Whitehaven are still eyeing Championship One’s top three as the promotion race edges closer to the final furlong.

Don Gailer

Haven, in fourth, trail Doncaster by five points with seven games left, with Workington Town two further ahead and leaders Barrow nine in front of Gailer’s team. But Haven have still to travel to face the Raiders next month in a televised game and entertain Doncaster in August.

“For me it’s not about fourth but being the best we can be,” he said. “With 21 points to go, there will be plenty of twists and turns in this competition.

“Those ahead of us can’t put their cue on the rack and think they are over the line. They could have an injury crisis or a form lapse.

“Put two or three bad weeks together and things could look a little different. They can’t yet get their gear ready for next year.”

Gailer believes that with four teams going up this term, Rochdale and even London Skolars could have a say in the promotion race.

“London have a game up their sleeves and Rochdale have a fairly handy last seven games. But we have the jump on them, so our future is in our own hands,” he added.

Meanwhile, Barrow player/coach Darren Holt has suffered a further injury setback, which has the potential to end his season.

He has been sidelined for more than a month with a groin injury picked up in the victory over Workington.

The half-back been expected to return within weeks but has now missed five games and is showing no signs of playing again any time soon after aggravating the problem.

First published at 11:30, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk