Last updated 19:36, Thursday, 21 February 2008

WORKINGTON Town’s Scottish international, Iain Marsh, will miss Sunday’s crunch Northern Rail Cup clash at Haven, after being banned for one match at an RFL disciplinary committee hearing.

Robert Lunt was one of Town’s star players in the narrow defeat at Derwent Park

Centre Marsh was found guilty of a reckless tackle during the game against Haven at Derwent Park two weeks ago.

“It was a fair punishment and Iain was also fined £100,” said Town coach Dave Rotheram. “I have a few replacements in mind for Sunday.”

Rotheram will be without Neil Frazer (calf), Garry Purdham (knee), Darren King (shoulder), Scott Burgess (shoulder), but winger Martyn and prop Dean Burgess are in contention for the Northern Rail Cup clash at the Recreation ground (3pm ko).

Town utility man Rob Lunt is in no doubt that another good performance against Haven is a must.

Town will start massive underdogs at the Recre, but Lunt, who starred in the meeting between the two sides three weeks ago, knows that Town are in with a shout.

The game at Derwent Park finished 26-18 in favour of Haven but only after an inspirational touch of magic by Derry Eilbeck put Craig Calvert in for the winning try.

Lunt said: “We’ve been improving but we and the fans need to start winning.

“We really need to win two out of last three NRC games to progress and set us up for the start of the season.

“We need to cut out daft penalties and silly mistakes but it’s coming.”

Town picked up their first point of the competition against Haven, and collected a second bonus point from last week’s 22-18 home defeat to Keighley Cougars.

Town and Blackpool Panthers have reached a stand-off over the date for their National Two game at Fylde.

The rugby union club will be doing re-seeding work as soon as their season ends in April and Blackpool are due to meet Town on May 11.

They approached Town about reversing the two fixtures, with Blackpool coming to Derwent Park on May 11 and Workington travelling to Fylde on June 15.

Town said they were unable to accommodate the Panthers over the request and it looked as though the Rugby Football League would be brought in to settle the issue.

Town’s chief executive said: “The reason we can’t accommodate Blackpool, is that June 15 is Fathers Day and we have already made arrangements with sponsors.

“And we have asked Blackpool if they want to be involved with what we are doing on the day.”

When the game is finally arranged, there will be an extra treat for travelling Town fans. A special Workington rock will be made in club colours.

West Cumbrian Neil Robinson, who now lives in Blackpool, is heavily involved as an associate director in charge of ground safety and also edits the club programme.

Robinson said: “I was looking through some old programmes and when the old Blackpool Borough was formed the players ran onto the field carrying a huge stick of rock and presented it to the opposition town’s mayor.

“It was a nice touch and we have brought that idea back for the fans.”

Town Flyer - Monday, D Langstaff, Seaton, A0317; Tuesday, John Fisher, Maryport, A6880; Wednesday, Sarah Winder, Camerton, C6081; yesterday, Margaret Sloan, Moorclose, D5866; today, H Hodgson, Workington, C8976.