BARROW won their second game of the League One season with a hard-earned 50-14 victory at Coventry Bears.

The game was played in front of an encouraging 447 attendance, with many Raiders supporters making the long trip down the M6.

Barrow took an early 18-0 lead and were 24-6 up at half-time. Coventry scored early in the second half, but Barrow stepped it up to ensure a comeback wasn’t on the cards.

It was expected, but we don’t travel that well and five hours on a coach isn’t great preparation for such an important game.

Coventry is just about close enough to do the trip in a day, but perhaps the sensible option is an overnight stop?

Although we conceded 15 penalties, Coventry coach Tom Tsang was very complimentary, and said: “Barrow are clear promotion favourites and they were just outstanding today. That performance was on par with when we played Toulouse last year with the speed and power from every one of their players.”

So, a very good start to the season, but still plenty of room for improvement.

It’s also good that Paul Crarey recognises that, and he has the advantage this season of competition for places which puts pressure on everyone to perform to retain their place in the team.

He said this week: “The atmosphere and the desire of the players makes this a good place to be.”

That’s good to hear, and you can tell this season is different with all supporters witnessing a great togetherness every time Barrow score or prevent the opposition from scoring. There is leadership and encouragement on the pitch and an air of confidence not seen for some time.

Tonight it’s the fourth round of the Challenge Cup, with Keighley Cougars the visitors.

This is the first of four homes games on the bounce, with Hemel Stags (League One) next week, Keighley again the week after in the quarter-finals of the League One Cup, and then Dave Clark's Workington Town (League One).

Last week, the Cougars were surprisingly hammered by Gloucestershire All Golds 46-22 and head coach Craig Lingard will consider ringing the changes for tonight’s tie.

“We'll certainly have to look at possible changes,” he said. “There are guys sat on the sidelines who are champing at the bit to get in.

“If anyone comes knocking on my door this week asking why they're not playing, then they can watch the 80-minute video of last weekend.”

Based on that form, we have a tremendous opportunity to get into the fifth round, when four Super League teams will be in the hat.

The draw, which sees Huddersfield Giants, Leeds Rhinos, Leigh Centurions and Salford Red Devils enter will be take place on Tuesday, from 7.45am.

But let’s focus on tonight.

We have already beaten Keighley in a pre-season friendly and, provided we keep our discipline, I’m sure we can repeat that impressive performance.

Our favourite referee from Whitehaven, Gareth Hewer, is the man in the middle, so it should be an entertaining cup tie.

Support is vital – see you there!