Last updated at 12:28, Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Lee Doran has called for Whitehaven’s passionate fans to give Super League Salford a reception they will never forget when the two sides in a Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie at the Recreation Ground on Sunday.

Lee Doran

Haven secured their place in the last 32 with a comprehensive 52-6 victory over amateurs Hunslet Warriors, and the big back-row forward is confident that with the backing of the whole town, the Cumbrians can produce a first-rate effort.

“Going up against Salford is a win-win scenario for us,” said Doran. “They’re full-time and they’re expected to win so the pressure is off our shoulders and the only pressure we have to contend with is what we place on ourselves.

“We’re at home and that will give us an advantage because having a big crowd come out and show their support can be a massive boost, and they really do play their part as the extra man.

“The fans sing for us in hail, sun and snow and their passion can really boost us. It would be sensational for us to get the win and really give something back to the fans because they deserve it, and it would be the perfect way for us to say thank you to them for supporting us with such enthusiasm over the years.

“We’ve had a bit of a mixed bag so far this season and it’s taken us a little longer than we had hoped to gel. But things have been coming together in recent weeks and we’re starting to get into a good run of form at the right time.

“We’re confident going into the game. We have a lot of young and talented players in our set-up and there are some ex-Salford lads as well who’ll be looking to prove a point on the day, so if everything comes together we can certainly put ourselves in the position to progress.”

First published at 11:26, Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk