With a settled squad capable of unzipping any defence, the visit of Salford is a mouthwatering prospect, with players and fans alike champing at the bit for our shot at old-fashioned giant-killing glory.

But it's been a long time between drinks. Hornets last defeated Salford back in 1991 when they sprang a shock 25-18 second round home win in the Lancashire Cup. Salford were a division above Hornets at the time and two carbon copy Mike Kuiti tries off Colin Whitfield breaks were the highlights on a sodden Tuesday night. Hornets went on to the final where they were hideously cheated by Saint Helens and fell foul of some peculiar refereeing decisions from Chris Campbell's dad!

But neither Hornets nor Salford have warmed up for this Sunday's Challenge Cup upset in particularly convincing fashion. While Hornets dug deep to finally repel a pugnacious Batley, Salford drew their Easter programme to a close with a disappointing defeat.

Crashing 26-10 to Huddersfield, Salford were never seriously in contention - despite the valiant efforts of skipper Malcolm Alker and strong-running prop Andy Coley.

With Alker delivering his usual human dynamo performance, Salford did cut the deficit to 20-12 - but that was as close as Salford got.

In an innovative move, Salford coach Karl Harrison blamed the defeat on the fact that they'd won a game three days earlier. "We looked flat and jaded," he said. "I think Friday's game probably took more out of us than we thought." Aw, bless.

He did concede, though, that : "...Huddersfield were the better structured team. They played better than us and deserved their win."

Harrison has assembled a workmanlike team of grafters who probably just have enough in the tank to stave off the spectre of relegation. Whilst the addition of ex-pie-eaters - current leading try scorer David Hodgson and livewire half-back Luke Robinson - and ex-London prop Mitchell Stringer does give them a smattering of class, it's their fearsome front row that looks like it could do some damage.

Coley, Alker and Rutgerson combine traction with action and will provide a major headache for better packs than Hornerts' this season.

Elsewhere the team still contains one or two familiar faces from the Reds' most recent NL1 campaign: Most notably Cliff Beverley, Chris Charles and Stuart Littler.

After Tuesday's great escape, Hornets will be looking to return to more free-flowing form - and have a chance to measure progress at the club against Super League opposition.

Bobbie Goulding's squad contains a good few players who have passed through the Willows - including the Bobster himself! As if the game needed any more spice. Most notable ex-Diables Rouge include National League player of the month Andy Gorski, Gareth Price - back in contention after missing the Batley game - and Radney Bowker.

All with a point to prove - and the ability to prove it.

Undoubtedly, as home cup ties with Super League opposition go, this one does provide the glint of an upset. Hornets firing on all cylinders, a ref that gives us a fair go (as requested by Karl Harrison himself, when pleading for fair treatment for 'lower clubs') and a bad day at the office for Salford could actually see us nick this.

But it won't be easy - full-time fitness and the weekly intensity of the Super League bottom six dogfight will make Salford a tough-nut to crack.

There IS a real frisson of excitement about the Challenge Cup: and it's Hornets' chance to make a mark - and a few bob. So get yourself and a carload of mates down to Spotland on Sunday and get behind the lads. They'll be well fired up for a shot at Salford - and we need to be too. Your support is vital in giving the lads a lift, so come and lend us your voice for an hour and a half.

So, it's the Challenge Cup Record Holders versus Salford. You never know - if we get the upset we're hoping for, you can always tell people you were there!

See you Sunday - you'd be barmy to miss it!