Barrow’s preparations for their trip to Keighley on Sunday have been hampered by injury with three players doubtful to play after picking up knocks against West Cumbria.

Sam Doyle could miss the clash after he was concussed during the game and he could also be joined on the sidelines by Joe Mallison and Dan Vial.

A decision will be made on Friday over whether any of the trio can play, Vial is suffering from a thumb injury while Mallision will be hoping he can shake off a thumb problem.

Barrow’s numbers will be bolstered by the returning Kieron Sharp however who has recovered from the virus which kept him out of last week’s game.

Laiker’s coach, Gareth Jones, was pleased with the way his side performed against West Cumbria saying, “Although the result didn't go in our favour last week the performance and effort was a massive improvement on our last game.”

After several postponements have heavily disrupted the season so far, Barrow’s boss is well aware that his team needs to continue to perform to the same level.

He said, “We know we are going to have to lift again this week in the first of back to back games against a very strong Keighley side.”

Keighley come into the game on the back of two defeats and Josh Bayliss, who was in sensational form last week, will need to carry it into the match if Barrow are to stop the Cougar Cubs returning to winning ways.

Featherstone Lions will make the trip to East Leeds this Sunday knowing victory would put them top of the Gillette National Youth League.

The Lions are currently just two points behind pacesetters Crusaders Colts and also have three games in hand on their Welsh rivals.

However, East Leeds will be looking to make things hard for Featherstone and have themselves something to play for as they aim for a play-off spot.

The final game – in a reduced fixture list due to the BARLA National Cup – sees Gateshead Thunder entertain West Cumbria.

The Cumbrians are well placed in third and have a massive five games in hand on current leaders Crusaders Colts, however Gateshead will be hoping to make home advantage count and notch their fifth win of the season.


Gillette National Youth League Fixtures
Sunday 7 March
Gateshead Thunder v West Cumbria
East Leeds v Featherstone Lions
Keighley Cougar Cubs v Barrow Laikers

All kick offs 1.30pm.