SWINTON LIONS are playing for pride for the remainder of this season writes STEVE BOTT.

Currently lyingw third from bottom in the Northern Ford Premiership table, they have the perfect opportunity to start picking up some much-needed points and places in the next couple of months.

For out of the next eight games, Swinton are at home at Gigg Lane no less than SEVEN times, starting with Sunday's home clash with Featherstone Rovers (kick-off 3pm).

Last Sunday's 32-6 reverse at Hull KR was a real setback after the encouraging performance against Dewsbury the previous week when the Lions were unlucky to go down 20-18 to the Rams as they ran out of time in a bid to overhaul their high-riding opponents.

Featherstone are no mugs though. They are currently fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Leigh and will be going hard for a top four place.

Lions coach Mike Gregory will run a check on his four main injury worries ahead of Sunday's clash with Featherstone.

Dale Holdstock (thigh), Mike Loughlin (knee), Lee Hansen (knee) and John Paul Doherty (ankle) are all doubtful, while veteran Paul Loughlin could drop out through work commitments.

Featherstone have Jamie Stokes (head), Stephen Jones (suspected broken hand) and prop Gary Lord all in need of treatment, but Mike Rhodes and Steve Dooler should be fit to return.

Skipper and match-winner Jamie Rooney also makes his second appearance in the side since fracturing his jaw eight weeks ago.