Laws delight tempered by injuries

Last updated : 23 August 2005 By Luke Thornhill

Laws
United took the lead when Billy Sharp pulled the ball back for debutant Richie Ryan to win.

Rovers defender Ian Sharps levelled for the visitors, but Richard Hinds hit the winner following a cross from Peter Beagrie.

Laws said: "At times in the first half we were excellent, Sharp was superb.

"How he didn't get a hat-trick I don't know - the goalkeeper made two grerat saves from him.

"The second-half got a bit scrappy. I felt their equaliser was a sucker punch, to score so early after we'd scored - and we nearly did it again after the second, which is something we'll have to work on.

"It was a terrific goal from them, their defender made a long run and finished it off in style.

"But it's annoying that we've alowed that to happen, because we had two or three chances to stop it.

"Sharpy's done ever so well for our first goal, rolled it across the bool when experienced players would have thrashed it across to try and score. He used a bit of intelligence, and Richie Ryan finished well.

"That will have given him a huge lift, and then I thought he started to dictate a bit of play.

"Richie Hinds' goal was a good finish as well, I think he could be the signing of the season for us.

"His versatility is so important, he's at home in midfield and in defence."

But the win was tempered by a suspected torn hamstring suffered by Steve Torpey and a ankle injury to Andy Butler.

Laws added: "The win is secondary as we have a major injury on our hands to Torpey.

"It looks like it is a tear of the hamstring, which could keep him out for a long time

"Butler's is not as serious, but it'll keep him out for the next few weeks.

"It's a devastating blow for us, they're going to be two big losses."