Crarey believes Cup can bring out the best of Barrow

Barrow Raiders coach Paul Crarey is relishing the chance to pay opponents from a higher level when his team clash with Halifax in the Challenge Cup this weekend.

The Raiders host Championship side Halifax at Craven Park on Sunday, and the League One outfit are well motivated, according to their coach.

“We’re a bit bashed up after last weekend’s game against Oldham but can’t wait to get stuck in,” said Crarey.

“We have a lot of players here who haven’t played at this level before but we put in a really good performance against Whitehaven in pre-season.

“Halifax are a big side, with great personnel working for them. Richard Marshall has turned them into a force to be reckoned with. We look at them and our aim is to be like them.

“For us it’s all about the performance.  It will be a big spectacle, both teams are well-supported and I know that they won’t be taking us lightly.

“We are taking the game very seriously, it’s our chance to prove ourselves and the beauty of the Cup is that it’s open to anyone.

“It’s got such a proud history, to me it’s the biggest competition in the sport. It would be massive for the club if we could get through to the next round.”