North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Forster has encouraged supporters to turn out in numbers for his side this weekend as they look to maintain their place at the top of Betfred League One when fellow promotion chasers Rochdale Hornets visit Colwyn Bay on Sunday.
Forster’s side impressed in the second-half last weekend as they came from six-a-piece at half-time to win 30-6 during a difficult trip to pre-season title favourites, Keighley Cougars.
Speaking about the game, Forster said: “I thought that Keighley looked a different side to the what they have done in previous weeks, they were aggressive, put us under pressure and proved a real test for us.
“I’d say there were periods of that game where they were on top, and that’s where we needed our defence to kick in, and it did so.
“Liam Cooper came back from injury and played well, then we’ve also got real competition in the halves and on the wing with the performances put in by the lads over recent weeks.
“Keighley could have been a point where we slipped up, so to go there and win, which isn’t an easy task, is a great feeling.”
Forster’s attention now turns to the Sunday when his North Wales side will welcome a Rochdale Hornets side who currently sit in the play-off places to Stadiwm CSM.
Looking ahead to the fixture, Forster said: “I feel like I’m saying it every week, but it’s another huge game for us.
“We sit top of the league, and that’s where we want to remain, but it’s so tight in and around that top four, we have to keep winning games, keep momentum going and really put a marker down.
“When you’re top, you are there to be chased, and teams will give those extra percentages to try and beat you, so we’re dealing with different pressures to previous years, but I’m loving it.
“Having said that, Rochdale will be no push overs, we’ll need to be at our very best to beat them, and I’m expecting a tight game.
“We’ve been on the road a lot this season, but this period now is vital for us, we’ve got four home games on the bounce, we need the supporters turning up in good numbers and making a noise off the field so that we can make the place a fortress on it.
“One thing which gives me great pride is going up and down the length of the country and walking out to see Crusaders supporters cheering the lads on, these next few weeks are huge for the club, and we can all play our part.”
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