But while Whitehaven hang on grimly to their top nine spot, Town are off the pace and off the map, two points adrift of the leading group in 12th place. And while they stumbled to victory last week at Chorley - having been 18-10 down at half time - they've struggled of late to replicate their early season form.

But while they seem content to play themselves out of contention, they still have a team to be reckoned with. A pack including Matt Tunstall, Carl Sice, Hitro Okesene Lokeni Savelio and Gary Charlton should be enough to put the wind up most teams in the NFP and with the ubiquitously tricky Tane Manihera steering them around, Hornets will have to be ready from the gun.

But it's a bit of a sod for Martin Hall. Wes Rogers' broken hand leaves a problem at prop and could leave an opportunity for Martin Bunce to make the 17, Matt Long and Joe Berry being our two remaining first choice props. Dave Stephenson remains doubtful with the leg strain he picked up against Whitehaven. On the plus side, Latham Tawhai's suspension is over and he comes back into the reckoning, but with Ayresey and Smithy going well at half back, he might get a start from the bench (The alternative being that Smith goes back to loose forward or second row, with Ball playing vice-versa, Woody slotting back in at 6 and Tawhai going straight in at 7; with Warren Ayres dropping to the bench). It's a tricky one for sure.

It is pleasing to see the resurgence of David Larder. Since re-cementing a place in the side he's consistently been our best forward and gives us 100% go-forward when we really need it. In a pack that was hugely out-sized last week he gave us real momentum and was a key factor in Hornets out-enthusing their opposite numbers.

Elsewhere in the side, fans wait patiently for a return for high-speed Casey Mayberry. Certainly he and Wayne McHugh have pace to burn - and both or either could come back into contention this weekend.

As the season's run-in gathers pace, it's vital that Hornets don't slip-up. To go undefeated until the end of the season is not beyond our ability and is a viable target. That would put us right in the shake-up for third spot and a favourable draw in the playoffs.

With the NFP split looming large, it's interesting to note that Workington were one of the two clubs to vote against the inclusion of London Skolars. Indeed, their Chief Executive John Donovan has said that it could cost as much as £2,500 to take his side to the capital for the fixture. On the other side of the coin, if that's the case, it'll cost London that every other week to get through the season.

But Sunday's game will be a real belter - two teams desperate for a win is always a good formula for an exciting encounter. And, as always, you can play a vital part. The crowd made a major contribution to the last gasp win against Whitehaven - and we can do it again this weekend.

We're suggesting that everyone brings a mate with them to boost the crowd - and a good turnout will really help Hornets in their push for the points. So, grab a mate, get them down to Spotland - even pay them in if you have to. Every fan - and every £9 - counts on Sunday and our support
really does make a difference. No excuses - see you there.