Cru prepare to do battle with old rivals Salford

Amid reports that the club’s future could be in serious doubt, the Celtic Crusaders entertain old rivals Salford City Reds on Saturday evening. A half-time performance from teenage street dancing sensation George Sampson - a star of ITV's Britain's Got Talent – will hopefully help boost the attendance at the Brewery Field.

It's been a depressing week for Saders fans. Firstly, came reports of the club's alleged financial woes, then the news that Tony Duggan and Damien Quinn were to be released before news filtered through that the club face a visa probe after allegations of possible immigration offences. All that, however, will be forgotten for one evening if John Dixon's men can clinch their third Super League win of the season against old rivals Salford.

The two teams, of course, have previous. They met on no fewer than five occasions in the 2008 season. Saders were narrowly beaten 22-24 at the Willows in the Cup, lost 20-36 at home in the Northern Rail Cup but completed their National League 1 campaign with a morale boosting 20-10 win in front of 1,447 at the Brewery Field. The two sides were then to meet in the play-offs.

The Saders travelled to the Willows as big under-dogs as they looked to secure a place in the play-off final. Dixon's men produced a superb display to win 44-18 and, after Salford beat Halifax days later, the two teams would meet again in the final.

7,104 were at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington as the Crusaders came within a whisker of bring crowned National League champions. With thirty seconds to go, the Saders held a two-point lead before Darren Mapp gave away a penalty and John Wilshire booted over the points that took the contest to extra-time.

The Red Devils went onto boss the contest in extra-time in a defeat which still hurts Cru's loyal support. Revenge couldn't be sort in the Super League this year as, despite a spirited fightback; Salford won 28-16 at the Willows earlier on in the campaign. There's little, therefore, that would give Cru fans more pleasure this season than beating the Devils on their own patch.

"If there's a game we'd like to win, it's against Salford." said head coach Dixon.

Dixon is hoping to have Quinn, Matty Smith and Adam Peek available for the game as Cru aim to light up the Brewery Field with a rare home victory.

Shaun McRae's men visit Bridgend one place and eight points ahead of the Crusaders. Celtic's realistic hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon have faded - but there's still plenty of pride to play for as reports persist about our club's precarious future.

2008 Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson will be performing before kick-off and at half-time. The club have been promoting the street dancer's arrival in South Wales this week and are hoping that his inclusion will cover the shortfall on attendance that a smaller-than-usual away following is likely to have.

Come on Saders.