But Roe's problems have just kept coming. Having secured experienced prop Simon Knox at the start of the season, he's chosen to 'retire' after just a handful of games - and taken his substantial signing on fee with him. As a result the club are in negotiations to try and get their money back.

On the field, Roe has this week lost utility back Adam Pate with a thigh injury, but will be buoyed up by the return to fitness of both Chris Archer and Stuart Dancer.

There's no doubt that there are points in the Barrow side - they put 30 on Batley at Mount (un)Pleasant last week. Sadly, they shipped 50 up the other end, with Peter Roe commenting: "We were out-muscled and we'll have to concentrate on building up our strength and stamina." He also conceded that travelling with his last 18 fit players didn't give a whole lot of options. "They're a grand bunch of lads," he said, " and we have to play the cards we're dealt."

Certainly, a cursory glance down the teamsheet does reveal enough quality in there to give the raiders a glimmer of encouragement. With ex-Swinton Jason Roach and Fev's former French International Freddie Zitter in the threquarters, there's enough experience and pace to make a defence think. And with much travelled former Doncaster prop Andy Fisher joined by his brother Darren, the pack won't lack heart.

Key to the braves ticking, though, is Barrow stalward Darren Holt. Following an uncomfortable stint up the coast at Whitehaven, Holt has settled back into what he does best - steering a Barrow pack around the field and causing endless problems with his varied distribution game. Two tries and five goals from five last week tell their own story - and mark him as the man to watch.

Hornets will travel in good heart after two consecutive good performances against full-time opposition. Bobbie Goulding will be keen to see a bit of an upturn in both discipline and ball retention, though.

Mark McCully will be missing from the side as he serves his one match ban after his contentious sending off against Oldham and with John Braddish and Sam Butterworth coming back into the reckoning, there should be pretty much a full squad to choose from.

Despite its reputation as Britain's longest and least accessible cul-de-sac, Barrow's not as far as you'd think and, after last week's excellent showing at Castleford, let's see if we can turn at least a bit of Craven Park into a home game for Hornets.

The support you provide DOES make a real difference and it lifts the lads to hear the fans giving it 100% too.

So, get a car full of mates, make a big day of it and let's get as many Hornets fans as we can up there to Barrow. This week - as every other - your club needs your voice!

See you there - you'd be mad to miss it.