Injury list mounts for luckless Rams

James Craven picked up a shoulder injury in last week’s agonising defeat to Workington Town, prop Ben Jones aggravated a groin in his first game back, while Russ Spiers suffered an ankle complaint as the bad luck continues to hamper Glenn Morrison’s plans.

The coach believes Dewsbury are not far away from breaking their losing run but explained: “People need to realise that when you have seven or eight players missing from your first 17 it is a big chunk out of the team.

“I have confidence in the other boys but they need to step up.

“We are not too far off but we need a little bit of luck to help us get over the line and give us our confidence back.”

Morrison has been forced to shuffle players around and include others out of their normal position but the Australian is confident that once Dewsbury turn the corner, they can go on a winning run.

Dewsbury went close to pulling off a Challenge Cup upset at Sheffield a fortnight ago when they led 16-0 at half-time only to lose 30-16 and Morrison is aware that if the Rams can put together a similar performance, they could spring a surprise.

Morrison added: “We went there two weeks ago and gave a good first half performance and we have a chance of getting the win if we can mirror that for the full 80 minutes.

“We need a bit of luck and for things to go our way for us to break our hoodoo.”

Tonight’s game was originally due to be played at Bramall Lane but was switched to Don Valley as Sheffield United are involved in the League One play-offs.

Sunday’s last-minute defeat to Workington saw the Rams drop out of the top eight for the first time this season, while Sheffield moved up to third with a 28-18 victory at Keighley.

Things should get a little easier for Dewsbury following the visit to Sheffield as they host Keighley Cougars in a rearranged game on May 12 and then entertain Swinton Lions on May 26.