Tony Hand expects a lively game against The Steeldogs

TONY HAND is expecting another battle royal when Phoenix take on Sheffield in Altrincham on Thursday (7.30pm).

Phoenix are in joint third in the table with Sheffield hot on their heels, two points behind with a game in hand.

Hand said: “Andre has done a great job at Sheffield and his side is never short of spirit.

“We are going into the game on the back of a pretty good run especially as we still had a lot of guys injured.

“But we will get back on track and hopefully we can start again against Sheffield.

“We’ll take a day or two off, regroup and then start on another run.”

Phoenix were finally beaten by Guildford on Sunday after a nine-game unbeaten run which has put them back in the battle for the title.

“We are definitely in the mix, there is no doubt about that,” said Hand.

“We have Guildford at home to come but we don’t have to play them away again.

“Our schedule is not too bad and hopefully we can go on another run and then you never know what will happen.”