Swinton Lions head coach John Duffy is treating Saturday’s iPro cup final “like any other away game”, but says fans flocking back to Sedgley Park are the key to his side’s success.
They take on North Wales Crusaders at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool and confidence is sky-high after a successful run of form.
Crusaders must play without their talismanic club captain Andy Moulsdale, whose shin surgery woes continue.
With no fresh injury worries of his own after a 29-16 mauling of Keighley Cougars, Duffy has a full pack to choose from.
And with one or two players on the verge of signing new deals, there is more than just silverware on the line come Saturday.
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The Lions are treating the game like any other away game, and will travel by coach to Blackpool on Saturday morning.
Not wanting to put any pressure on his in-form side seems key to Duffy’s success both on and off the pitch.
“We’ve made no plans for Sunday, but we’d love to be bringing the trophy back here.
“The lads will want to head out for a drink if they pick the cup up, but we’ve still a few days training ahead.”
“It’s not like any other week, it’s a cup final after all, and I’ve got a great leadership group and if anyone steps out of line, it’s dealt with internally.”
He was also quick to praise the fans, who have started to head back to Sedgley Park to watch a team who are beginning to look like the real deal in the league.
“It’s great to see the place full, and for the lads who’ve been here a few years and seen the turnaround, for the fans to now be staying behind in numbers to clap the lads off at the end of the game, they really appreciate that.”
“It’s a big thing that for a player. You get self-confidence from things like that.
“Our fans are absolutely superb in that respect, and the players are beginning to feed off of it during the game.”
Swinton play North Wales Crusaders at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool on Saturday 23 May. Kick-off is 12 noon.
