MIKE Sunderland is eyeing a good run in both knock-out competitions for Barrow Raiders as they prepare to face Rochdale Mayfield again in tomorrow's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie.

The Raiders have already beaten the amateurs in one of them this year, seeing off Mayfield 46-18 to move into the quarter-finals of the League One Cup last Saturday, and must overcome them once more if they are to reach the fourth round of rugby league's premier knock-out competition.

Progress in the Challenge Cup would bring with it the chance of drawing a Kingstone Press Championship side like Hull Kingston Rovers or Bradford Bull, while a more favourable draw would offer the opportunity to get through to the last 32 and perhaps draw a Super League team.

Either way, Barrow chairman Sunderland is eager to get through – particularly after falling at the first hurdle in both cups last year – while at the same time making no secret of the desire to reach the League One Cup final at Bloomfield Road in May.

“With the cup runs, it sets the standard for the season,” said Sunderland. “I know we were disappointed last season, but we got caught off-guard - especially with the weather - and they were very close games, but we ended up out in the first round.

“However, we've talked about it this year and we do want to get to the Blackpool final, give the fans something to cheer about and give them a day out to remember. It's about building the confidence in the team and being confident in ourselves, really.

“The Challenge Cup is quite exciting. It's a cup for everybody and anything can happen, which is why it's such an exciting competition.

“We'd like a home draw against a Championship team in the next round – if we get through this one. If not, then you'd be looking at an easier away game and look to go big in the next round.”

The extra revenue brought in by home ties in both competitions provides a welcome boost to the club's finances and Sunderland is optimistic of a good crowd for the upcoming League One Cup quarter-final against Keighley Cougars, who have come to be considered derby opponents.

The Raiders chairman admitted they would have perhaps preferred opponents other than Mayfield in the Challenge Cup, having already been drawn away to the National Conference League Premier Division outfit in the divisional cup.

Nevertheless, a home tie is welcome whichever team it is against and Sunderland is hopeful of getting through to see how the team stack up against sides in the division above them for if Paul Crarey's side achieve the aim of promotion from League One in 2017.

“If you sit Cresta down and have a natter with him, he'll tell you the same,” said Sunderland. “We feel we could be competitive against a few of the Championship teams.

“We're not saying we'd go out there and win it, but we would certainly be competitive. Should we win promotion this year, the team would strengthen again and that's what it's about.

“It's about progression and building around the nucleus of the squad, and I really feel the team we have got at the moment, I can't see where we're weak.”

Having seen how tough Mayfield made it for the Raiders in the second half of last weekend's League One Cup tie though, Sunderland is not taking anything for granted ahead of their visit to Craven Park.

“For me, they're a typical amateur team – they'll come here and they'll be like raging bulls because they want to beat a semi-pro team,” said Sunderland.

“It's not as easy as it sounds and we've got to be very careful with our tactics and how we play them. We just need to put them to bed in the first half and then enjoy the second.

“You can never underestimate the opposition, even at amateur level. You have to be very careful and there are a few banana skins out there.”

(BLOB) Junior season ticket holders will receive free entry to any Barrow Challenge Cup home and away games from tomorrow's tie up until the sixth round, the club have announced. The offer does not apply to adult season ticket holders though.

Meanwhile, the draw for the fourth round of the Challenge Cup will take place at 7pm on Tuesday and will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website.