North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Forster said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of his players after they pushed higher league opponents Widnes Vikings all the way in their third round Challenge Cup tie, losing by a narrow six point margin.
Speaking following the game, Forster said: “First of all, I’ve got to credit Widnes, they’ve come here this afternoon and given a level of respect to us which should tell everyone just what we’re about this year.
“I thought the game overall was a fantastic cup fixture where both sides gave their all and it was end to end with some big hits in the middle.
“I’m gutted to come away on the wrong end of the scoreline, and I think on another day we take a few of the chances which we have and we win it, but I can’t be disappointed with the efforts of any one of the boys who put a real shift in.
“Coming into the game this week we’ve had illness in the camp which has seen a few key players missing, and the team changed probably four or five times since training last Friday, so when you take that into account, I think the result and performance is even more impressive, and I’m incredibly proud of my players.”
Forster added: “It was a great day for the club, we’ve had a bumper crowd, fantastic support both home and away, and it had all the features of a big cup tie.
“If we perform like that this season, we’ll be a force in what’s set to be a very difficult League One this year, so for me it’s about matching that benchmark now.”
Despite bowing out of the Challenge Cup, Crusaders’ shot at a Wembley final isn’t over yet, with Forster’s side set to travel to Goole this weekend where they’ll face the Goole Vikings in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.
Looking ahead to the game, Forster said: “We’ve got the build on this momentum, and that will be the message this week.
“We’ve had great results against Cornwall and Newcastle and then gone toe-to-toe with a Widnes side who were in the Championship play-offs last season, so the challenge now is going to Goole and taking those levels there with us.
“It’s another cup game, and we want to win and progress as well as building our form ahead of the league season starting at the end of the month.
“Goole won’t be easy opponents, they’ve spent big money, brought in some quality players and to be honest are a complete unknown given it being their first year in the professional game.
“It’s also going to be their first ever professional game at home, so they’re going to be up for this game.
“Our task is to not get drawn into the occasion, but to go out, play our game and be consistent to the levels which we’ve set so far this year.”
