Otley’s forwards coach Mark Luffman says injuries are the key reason why his team have struggled this season in SSE National League Two North.

The Cross Greeners are currently in the highest of the three relegation berths but there are two clubs – Harrogate and Leicester Lions, who both have yet to come to Otley – who are only a point better off.

Luffman said: “We just haven’t been able to field a settled side from week to week because of the injuries.

“But Howard Parr has returned from overseas and Rob Afoa Peterson is expected back any time after his knee injury.

“They are massively experienced and will help us as we need to start winning matches.”

Otley are at leaders Loughborough Students on Saturday, and Luffman said: “Loughborough like to throw the ball around and so do we, so it should be a good game.

“Scoring points has never been a problem for us. Keeping them out has proved more difficult.”