Carl Forster refuses to give up on a play-off place even after losing 23-14 to one of their rivals Doncaster.

But even Forster knows it is going to be tough as he considers his depleted squad of players are just about shot at.

“It’s been a really long, hard season with a depleted squad who have had to put up with other issues off the field,” said the Haven player-coach.

“In a nutshell we are shattered. Lads have been playing with injuries for a while now and we have had more injuries against Doncaster.

“But we have said that we needed to win four of our last five matches to have a shot at the play-offs.

“And that is still the case, although it does make it tough that our last game is against York who are likely to be fighting for automatic promotion in that match.”.

Whitehaven were the equal of Doncaster for long periods but crucially made mistakes which cost them dearly.

“I think it showed just how tired we are. Dion wouldn’t have fumbled that kick-off under normal circumstances,” he added.

“We were also trying glory passes when we should have been more patient, but I’m not going to knock anyone. It’s just what it is because of the situation we have been in.”

Chris Taylor left the ground on crutches after being carried off with a knee injury and Forster says it looks as though he could miss the rest of the season.

Callum Phillips was also hobbling at the end with a calf injury, while several other players took knocks during the game and played on.

Whitehaven, like everyone else, will have a weekend off because of the Challenge Cup final and it will be well received.

“I’m giving them a week off to do what they want. It will be good to get a break because we haven’t had one all season. Even on a scheduled free week we were given Hunslet away,” said Forster.

“We have so many players nursing injuries it really is remarkable we were in this latest game almost to the death.”