Whitehaven fans are daring to dream the seemingly impossible and believe the club can pull off a great escape.

Sunday’s trip to Oldham is being billed as one of the biggest games in years for both sides in the battle to beat relegation.

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton has already appealed for the fans to boost the attendance at Stalybridge – and now Whitehaven have countered.

The Recreation Ground club want supporters to provide the kind of backing which will help take the relegation battle to the final day of the season.

Whitehaven director Mark Stamper said: “We normally take at least one coachload of fans and we hope that will increase on Sunday because there’s no doubt good support will help the team in a game of this nature.

“Certainly talking to supporters and keeping an eye on the fans forums there’s a lot of interest being sparked by the win at Dewsbury and people are believing the seemingly impossible is possible.

“It has been a frustrating season in so many ways. We have always believed there was ability in the team but they have only shown that in patches.

“Against Dewsbury, they were simply outstanding and were able to maintain the high standard throughout to finish-off the opposition.

"The four lads running the team have gone back to basics, played to our strengths and have reaped the rewards.

“From where we were before the Workington game, the fact we are still in with a shout of saving our Championship status is a credit to the players and the four lads running the team.”

It’s swings and roundabouts for Oldham, however.

Danny Grimshaw, 30, an experienced and wily campaigner has been out for five weeks nursing a groin injury but he’s back in training hoping to be available for the relegation battle.

Grimshaw’s last game was the 30-16 home win against Workington Town on August 7 and Oldham would be stronger for his inclusion.

However, full-back Richard Lepori who played for Whitehaven last season, is a definite non-starter.

Following his sending off for punching against Sheffield, he entered an ‘Early Guilty Plea’ in response to his grade B charge and was suspended for one game.

The crucial game will be refereed by Tom Crashley, who handled Oldham’s 30-8 win at Swinton on August 14 and Sheffield’s 54-24 win at Bower Fold a fortnight ago.