New Blackpool Panthers coach Andy Gregory was unable to prevent his side's twelfth defeat in 12 games this season in National League Two when they were beaten 28-14 at home to Barrowe Raiders.

Deon Duell, Danny Barton and John Chamberlain scored for the home side but it was not enough to prevent the losing run ending which stretches back to last July.

Former Great Britain scrum-half Gregory was appointed as coach for eight years at Blackpool Panthers.

It is the first coaching role for eight years for Gregory, who was sacked by Salford in 1999.

Gregory won 26 caps for the Lions and every major honour in the game with Widnes and Wigan.

The Panthers turned to Gregory after dispensing with the services of Simon Knox who is now looking for another coching role in the game.

Meanwhile Bloomfield Road is to host the Northern Rail cup final between Whithaven and Widnes on July 15.

A large crowd is expected as Whithave sold 1,500 tickets withing hours of the tickets going on sale and should sell thier allocation of 2,200.

The club atre hoping to bring around four to five thousand fans and Widnes are also expected to bring a large following.