North Wales Crusaders will head to Goole for the second time this year as Carl Forster’s side look to avenge an 1895 cup defeat when they come up against the Vikings again in Betfred League One round two this Sunday.
Crusaders come into the game following a three week absence from action owing to cup weekend’s, during which they’ve completed a charity climb up Snowdon.
🗒️ Formbook:
New entrants into the professional game for 2025, Goole’s first competitive game came back in January where they caused a cup upset live on the BBC, seeing off Championship side London Broncos by 17 points to 10 in the capital.
Whilst a heavy defeat to Super League side Wakefield followed, the Vikings didn’t have to wait long for their second professional victory, knocking Crusaders out of the 1895 cup in their first home game of the year.
League action followed for Sunday’s hosts who were narrowly beaten 16-14 by one of this season’s favourites, Midlands Hurricanes, before also tasting defeat to Championship opponents Barrow Raiders the following weekend as Goole exited the Challenge Cup.
In their last outing, Scott Taylor’s side suffered defeat to Dewsbury Rams in League One in yet another close encounter, and, despite two league defeats from their opening two games, the Vikings are not a side to be underestimated as they showed on Crusaders’ last visit.
đź‘Ą One To Watch:
Goole’s squad is littered with a mix of experienced players who have enjoyed careers at the top of the game and emerging young talents, utilising their links with Betfred Super League outfit, Hull KR.
A particular name of keep an eye on this weekend is that of Jamie Shaul. The full-back enjoyed a successful top-flight career where he made over 190 appearances for Hull FC, earning an England call-up back in 2018.
Shaul’s ability both with and without the ball is enough to pose a threat to any side in the division, and he’s a player who Carl Forster will want to keep and eye on come Sunday’s clash.
🗣️ Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s trip to Goole, Crusaders head coach Carl Forster said: “I don’t think it’s so much about revenge or anything like that, but more a focus on ourselves.
“When we played at Goole in the cup last month, I think all the lads would tell you that we were way off the standards which we’ve set ourselves, and so our motivation going into this weekend is focused on showing just what we can do.
You can read Carl’s full thoughts HERE.
🏟️ Supporter Information:
Whilst Goole’s home stadium, Victoria Pleasure Ground, undergoes a multi-million pound renovation, the Vikings will play their home fixtures at Goole RUFC.
Visiting supporters shall be able to enjoy a fanzone which comprises of street food stalls and a cash bar.
Goole have also urged any supporters attending the game to ensure that they dress appropriately as there is no covered stand at the stadium.
Tickets can be purchased direct from the Vikings online HERE.
