Barrow Raiders half-back Ryan Johnston says the squad will be out to right the wrongs of their performance at Doncaster in Week 1 of the Betfred Championship play-offs, as the two prepare to meet again this Sunday.

For the second time in three games, the Raiders will travel to South Yorkshire to face off against the Dons, this time in a winner-takes-all clash at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Paul Crarey’s side were beaten heavily 72-0 two weeks ago, but a 26-10 victory at home to Sheffield Eagles last weekend ensured they kept their season alive.

“It was great to get back to winning ways after the performance we put in at Doncaster” Johnston said.

“We’ve ended up with them again this week, so the challenge will be to right a few wrongs in terms of our performance.

“I’d put the defeat two weeks ago down to an accumulation of things, and that’s the way sport goes sometimes.

“Doncaster were red-hot, and we were nowhere near where we needed to be. When that happens, especially at the top end of the Championship, big scores can be put on you.”

Johnston and his team-mates shipped 12 tries without reply in their last meeting with Doncaster, on what proved to be a tough afternoon for the Raiders on their travels.

But during the regular season, both matches were won by the away side – Barrow winning 36-12 in May, before Doncaster snatched a late 26-25 victory in Cumbria little over a month ago.

Despite coming out on the right side of the scoreline in Week 2 of the play-offs against Sheffield, Raiders captain Johnston believes there are levels his side have still yet to reach.

He added: “There was definite improvement against Sheffield, but I feel that we were still nowhere near the finished product.

“I’m hoping that’s still to come. It’s been a tough week at training, and the message is to find that consistency to our game and bring it for longer periods than we’ve been showing recently.

“That’s the key to success in the play-offs – to stay in games for as long as you can, even when you maybe aren’t at your best as a group.”

As was the case two weeks ago, Paul Crarey’s side are expected to be backed in South Yorkshire by a vocal travelling support.

Bookings are also still being taken on our official supporters’ bus ahead of Sunday’s game – click here for full details on how to secure your seat.

When it comes to occasions of such magnitude, Johnston says the squad are hopeful that the travelling Raiders can make their presence felt as the players look to get the job done on the pitch.

On their importance, Johnston said: “The fans have been great all year. Supporters make a club, and ours have certainly been some of the best in the division.

“It’s been a great year, and I want us to try and keep it going with a big performance against Doncaster.

“We need our extra man behind us, and that comes from the stands. We want to hear the travelling support, and the lads are confident that we’ll be backed in good numbers once again.”

Ticket information

Tickets for Sunday’s play-off clash at Doncaster are available to buy online, priced as follows:

  • Adults: £22
  • Under 17s: £5

Away supporters are advised to purchase in the blue areas F10-F13 – a stadium map will be visible when booking through Doncaster’s online ticketing platform.

Wheelchair/ambulant disabled supporters must pay the appropriate age category price, with a free of charge carer if required. To be eligible, supporters are required to provide proof of higher rate mobility or enhanced PIP.

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