Cresswell likely to be ruled out of Barrow Raiders squad

Cresswell who has been at the top of his form in recent games has a badly bruised back and won’t be risked if not 100% fit.

The hard working full back took a bad knock in the win over Keighley last Sunday, moving to the wing with Luke Broadbent taking over the full back role.

If ruled out, Coach Paul Crarey could recall Andrew Bulman to fill in at full back with Broadbent keeping his wing position.

Crarey has options as Broadbent came to the fore earlier in the season when Cresswell was unfit.

Bulman, a close season recruit from Whitehaven is an out and out winger and is slowly making his way back after concussion.

Brett Carter has missed several games through a hamstring pull, and could come into contention. Carter can fill any position in the back division.a player that gives 100%.

Sam Brooks is carrying a slight knock and will be given time to recover.

Hard working loose forward Jack Wells could be out for several weeks as the club await the results of a scan on a possible fractured shoulder.

And with Dan Toal possibly out till next season, Crarey could do without any extra casualties.

On loan Keanan Brand will make his second home appearance following his move from Super League outfit Leigh Leopards.The Love Island star played several games for Leigh last season and was slowly getting back to fitness when the arrangement for a loan spell taking him to Craven Park was completed.

Crarey said “Keanan has settled into our way of playing and looking back at the tape of the Keighley game he put in a good shift. The good news is he could be here for the rest of the season. He is a nice lad, very dedicated and is loving his time with us.”

Widnes come to Cumbria for the second time in eight days, last week they were shot down by Whitehaven 36-12 in a performance that disappointed Coach John Kear who said “We face another tough game in Cumbria at Barrow”

Danger men Danny Craven and Jack Owens both missed last week’s game, but the Vikings still have a strike force in on loan Wigan centre Zac Eckersley, Kieron Dixon, Tommy Gilmore, Adam Lawton and Matty Fozzard.

Barrow escaped from the bottom two in the league table following last week’s victory and a win against the Vikings will see them leapfrog over York who are involved in the Challenge cup with Leigh.

The Raiders could also leapfrog over Keighley if they go down at Newcastle who are bottom and seeking only their second win of the campaign.