And so we start the run-in proper with a trip to current table leaders Salford. Unlike Huddersfield, who blitzed all before them last season, Salford have been unable to shake off the close attention of Leigh and Hornets. Add a defeat at Featherstone and two draws against Whitehaven and you begin to think that their cloak of invincibility is perhaps not quite as convincing as you might imagine.

But you can't deny that, by National League standards they have a very good side - which rotates around half backs Gavin Clinch and Cliff Beverley. Both are crafty footballers - nippy, mobile, with good hands and good vision. Add Clinch's kicking game and his party piece of ripping the ball one-on-one and you have a formidable driving force.

They're ably assisted by a mix of capable graft and experience - typified by the fact that ten individuals got on the scoresheet against Dewsbury last week as they routed them 58-18. The chink of light in there is that Dewsbury ran in 18 points in the last 17 minutes.

But there's no denying that Hornets will have to be right on top of our game to get something out of this one. Having suffered a below-par performance against Batley, it's to be hoped that we've got the stinker out of our system and it serves to focus the mind a little.

As previously against Salford, all talk centres around the ongoing 'Radney Bowker situation'. With Rad. sitting this one out, Hally's playing his cards close to his chest as to who'll fill the no.6 jersey. Paul Smith? Wayne McHugh? Warren Ayres? Whoever it is is in for a busy afternoon.

Elsewhere, the team will look much like it did last week, with some minor reshuffling to accommodate the shift at 6. Hally will again assess the fitness of Dave Stephenson and perhaps seek a permutation that would give Matt Calland a start.

Whatever Martin decides, Hornets need YOU on Sunday. Salford's just 20 minutes down the motorway and this promises to be a real cracker. Your support DOES make a difference - especially away from home - and you won?t get a (geographically) closer or more important game to go to than this one.

Regardless of what the pundits say, our destiny this season is still in our own hands - and if Whitehaven can spring a shock (or two), why not us? I implore every Hornets fan who can to make the trip to the Willows on Sunday. Let's stand together, wear our Hornets shirts with pride and show that lads that it matters to us too. See you there.