Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey says his players are ready to build on last Sunday’s Betfred Championship victory over Halifax Panthers.
The Raiders ran out 16-12 winners at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium in Round 7, and the two sides will do battle once more in the fourth round of the Betfred Challenge Cup on Sunday, this time at the Shay.
Crarey admits there was little to choose between the teams last time out, and he is expecting more of the same this time around.
“I thought we were very good. We missed a few chances and they did as well – it was very tight game,” he said.
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“Looking at the review, their halves were very lively and caused some problems, especially Joe Keyes who is a good player.
“We were just glad to get the win. We needed it more than then, and I think it comes down to that.
“Hopefully it’ll be another good game [against Halifax], and whoever gets through that will probably get a home tie against Bradford, which is a bit of a money-spinner with their fans.
“Whoever gets through hopefully draws a Super League club, so financially it’s a big deal for everybody.”
Following this weekend’s return to cup action, the Raiders will then prepare for their first Cumbrian derby of the season, against Whitehaven at home on Good Friday.
It promises to be an all-action seven days for the club, but it’s something which Crarey believes his players are ready to embrace.
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“We’ve got Whitehaven on the Friday, which is a four day turnaround, so that’ll be tough,” he added.
“We have a ‘hang onto your hats’ style week to look forward to, but the lads are in great spirits.
“A win gives you a lot of confidence, and we worked really hard for it with some great individual performances.”
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