Following a convincing 60-0 dismissal of Newcastle Thunder in the last round of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup, a trip to face Goole Vikings stands in the way of North Wales Crusaders’ progression to the first round proper of the competition.
The Vikings offer somewhat of an unknown given it their first ever season in the professional game, however, a debut game victory over Championship side London Broncos in the Betfred Challenge Cup has shown the rugby league world that Goole are not just here to make up the numbers this year.
Armed with the backing of their ownership, the Viking’s head coach Scott Taylor has assembled a strong squad which includes household names such as former Super League champion, Brett Ferres.
🗒️ Formbook:
Both sides enter Sunday’s clash on the back of cup defeats to higher league opponents.
Taylor’s Goole side produced a spirited performance against Super League opponents Wakefield Trinity, however, the visitors proved to be too much on the day running out 82-0 victors.
However, Sunday’s hosts are not to be underestimated. Their first ever competitive outing came at the end of January when they caused a Challenge Cup upset live on BBC Sport, knocking out Championship side London Broncos on their own turf by 17 points to 10.
Meanwhile, Crusaders did themselves no harm in spite of defeat at the weekend, as they pushed Championship high flyers Widnes Vikings all the way in a nail-biting tie at Stadiwm CSM.
The 26-20 defeat was the North Wales outfit’s first of the season coming on the back of impressive 52-0 and 60-0 victories at Cornwall and Newcastle respectively.
👥 One To Watch:
Brett Ferres; A name who needs no introduction to rugby league fans, the former England international and Super League champion brings a wealth of experience to the Goole Vikings side.
Ferres is sure to be a focal point for Scott Taylor’s side during the 2025 season, however, he won’t be acting alone given the Viking’s strong recruitment drive with notable mentions going to Jamie Shaul, Tom Halliday and Tom Minns.
🗣️ Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s trip to Goole, Crusaders head coach Carl Forster said: “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.”
Read Carl’s full thoughts HERE.
🏟️ Supporter Information:
Goole play their home fixtures at the Victoria Pleasure Ground, a stadium which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation.
Sunday’s cup clash shall mark the Viking’s first ever professional game at home.
We’ve been notified by Goole that due to ongoing stadium renovations, areas of the stadium are identified as an active building site, however, they shall still be accommodating both home and away supporters to a professional standard.
Tickets can be purchased direct from the Vikings online HERE.
