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Photo: Aidan Gleeson Snr

Aidan Gleeson, Mayfield

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Mayfield must put the disappointment of last week’s defeat behind them if they are to overcome Leigh Miners Rangers on Saturday at the Mayfield Sports Centre in the Kingstone Press NCL Premier division.

Defensive frailties and second half indiscipline were the root cause of last week’s defeat in a game which Mayfield should, beyond all doubt, have won comfortably.

Saturday’s opponents will be coming to Rochdale full of confidence after a comfortable victory over East Leeds in their last outing so Mayfield are going to have to be switched on right from the start and not allow the opposition to score easy tries, something which has plagued Matt Calland's side all season.

Mayfield currently have the worst defence of the top eight sides but their ability to score tries has seen them overcome most of the leading teams.

Coach Sam Butterworth is of the opinion that if the team perform to their full potential they have enough skill throughout the team to take something from the game.

The two teams met in the first game of the season which Miners won 26 – 14 but Mayfield are now a much more organised, stronger side, with some great impact players coming off the bench to turn games around. The likes of Aidan Gleeson and Declan Sheridan have been a revelation in this respect.

There were several players missing last week for the Cumbrian trip due to availability issues and injuries, Calland and Butterworth are hoping that most, if not all, of the players are available for Saturdays’ clash.

Although it would be too much to say this is a must win game for Mayfield they must at least perform at their best. It is an important game with the teams who have hopes of a play-off spot come the end of the season really must win their home games.

The NWML side have a trip to Golborne Parkside on Saturday as they try to get back into some regular games after the disruption of the last couple of weeks.

The side has been boosted by the inclusion of a number of sixteen-year-olds from the Mustangs and they have been a welcome addition bringing some much needed youth to add to the wealth of experience already in the team.

This will be a tough game but it is a game the Mayfield can win and would give them a much needed boost as they look to make something of the season.

Fixtures
27 June

NCL Prem, Mayfield v Leigh Miners ko 2.30
NWML div 2 Parkside v Mayfield ko 2.30