WHITEHAVEN chairman Tommy Todd is not blaming Sunday’s streaming of the game with Oldham for the poor attendance at the Recreation Ground.

Only 532 were in attendancepaying customers, the lowest in a programme of six Championship matches.

Oldham’s 16-14 victory was streamed on the OuRLeague App, which is covering matches from the Championship this season.

“I’m sure there was an effect from the game being shown but you also have to consider the weather, which had been pretty wild and wet over the weekend. That would put people off," said Todd.

“I don’t think 6-15pm on a Sunday night is an ideal kick-off time either. The agreement to show our matches on OuRLeague App this season means all clubs will take their turn in hosting two of their games.

“Our second one is Leigh over the Bank Holiday so I think we should be ok for a decent crowd in any case.

“We are trying to bring the game to a wider audience so hopefully by streaming games we will attract more fans to the sport."

Whitehaven revert to a 3.00pm kick-off on Sunday when they host Dewsbury Rams in the Challenge Cup fourth round, which means a clash with local rivals Workington Town who host Doncaster at the same time.

“There’s not a lot you can do about clashing in Cup games, [but] we are asked if there is anything especially we would like on [league] fixtures, and we always say avoiding clashes with Town.

“Yet we have two or three clashes this season so the message still isn’t getting through,” said Todd.