IT WAS a disappointing trip to Whitehaven in many respects -- not just the result!

Although as a team we under-performed in light of our previous games it has to be noted that five players are now absent from the team that started against Widnes.

We also played the last 30 minutes with only 12 men after Chris Ross was sent off and with a 12-4 penalty count against us. We also had two valid tries (on video evidence) disallowed -- it was a very difficult afternoon.

I GUESS a lot of people were of the same opinion as me in thinking, 'here we go again -- Rochdale Hornets!'

In some respects they would have been correct as all the same elements were present. However we are still second in the table and on course to achieve the objective we set ourselves before the start of the season, which is a good play-off spot.

ON THE injury front we hope to have Nathan Antonik back for the Easter weekend but both Ian Hughes and Darren Carter are looking very doubtful. Daio Powell will also be out for at least 5-6 weeks with a broken arm.

Martin Wood will be seeing the specialist in two week's time and we will hopefully have a better idea of the progress of his knee injury.

THE NEXT four games take on added significance as we look to regain our winning form. The focus will certainly be on achieving the right result, rather than simply putting on the right performance, s we look to retain second spot going into May.

As teams begin to wrestle for a position in the top four, the last thing we want is to be involved in a dog-fight for a home play-off spot.

PUTTING things into perspective it will be the anniversary of Dave 'Shaggy Clarke's untimely death on May 3.

He was a leading member of the 'Spice Boys' who lead our army of supporters and at Friday's game his many friends and supporters will be collecting for the Asthma Association in his memory -- please give generously.