Stripped bare of their Super League swagger, Halifax have taken to life in NL1 like a brick to water.

Desperate for points, Halifax are locked in an off-field battle with Castleford Tigers for the services of Brad Davis. Davis only signed a contract with Halifax six weeks ago when he was playing with French side Villeneuve, but the Tigers’ offer may prove too attractive. Cas have dangled youngsters Richard Blakeway and Dean Ripley as bait, but Halifax are determined to hold out for a better deal. So will the old bloke be in the side on Sunday? Your guess is as good as mine!

The No-sox prepared for this week’s game by tossing away a 13 point half time lead at Leigh last week to ship 37 second half points and sink to defeat. Indeed, even the fledgling ‘Fax coach Anthony Farrell questioned his side’s heart for the challenge of avoiding the drop this term: “The second half was all about face - they were everywhere and you didn’t see ours” - so when the going gets tough, do Halifax disappear?

A glimpse down their teamsheet suggests that they should be a stronger proposition than they are - and equally suggests that there’s something not quite right at the Shay.

With Pat Weisner and Mark Moxon at half back, they’ve got a more than useful fulcrum. And with Phil Cantillon and bustling Ryan McDonald in the side they’ve got enough go-forward to cause any defence problems. Interestingly, ex-Hornet Jon Roper played last week at second row. Some say that Roper never fully realising his potential at Hornets - and one wonders whether his step up to the pack is an indication that he’s losing his battle against the pies.

Interestingly, Paul Davidson - who stated that he ‘found it hard to get up for National League matches’ at Hornets - didn’t feature last week. ‘nuff said.

Undoubtedly, Bobbie Goulding will have had a soul-searching week after last Sunday’s disaster at Doncaster. Notwithstanding the damage done by the consecutive departures of Mark McCully and Dave Newton, the somewhat surrealist performance by referee Ashley Kline left most of us wondering whether the voices in his head were watching the same game as us. leathered 18-9 in the penalty count (or 14-7, depending on which paper you read), Doncaster were given carte blanche to pursue their policy of physical intimidation.

This manifested itself most blatantly when PJ Solomon hoofed Darren Robinson in the testicles as he came into the tackle. The officials claimed ‘self defence’ - which basically puts a kick in the bollocks on a par with a hand-off or a fend - and left Robbo in a heap on the touchline.

Examined at hospital on Sunday night, Darren was unable to train on Tuesday. Hornets were, this week, reviewing the incident with the view to citing the player responsible.

On a more tactical level, the Bobster will be ramming home the point that, if refs are looking for us to infringe, we have to be whiter than white. Indeed, we showed again that when we play a disciplined, error-free game we are capable of dismantling most defences.

So, with both sides locked together on two points, the trip to the Shay is a big one. A win would give one side a major psychological advantage - and a big confidence boost. Again last week, the travelling supporters did the club proud - and with Halifax just over the hill, we should make every effort to get as many people there as possible to get behind Bobbie and the Lads.

Ultimately, Sunday’s result will come down to who wants it the most - and we have to show that we, as a club, want this one. So wear your colours with pride and bring your singing voice. It’s a huge game this Sunday and your club needs you.

We’ll be in the main stand - see you there.