IT was another very professional performance from Barrow as they moved into the fifth round of the Challenge Cup with a hard-fought 20-0 victory over Keighley Cougars.

They were rewarded with a difficult trip to fellow League One side York City Knights.

From a financial perspective, it’s the worst draw of all, but it is a winnable game and Barrow’s record against York is good, with no defeats in the last 10 years and a 28-0 victory only a couple of weeks ago at Craven Park.

On current form, we should win and would be virtually guaranteed an attractive tie, with the cream of Super League entering the draw for the sixth round, with Wigan, Warrington, St Helens, Hull and Catalans Dragons all a possibility.

However, the new-look Knights are improving under respected coach James Ford and earned their tie with Barrow by pulling off an upset, defeating Championship side Rochdale Hornets 26-20 at home with a converted try four minutes from time.

I know promotion is our main focus, but an attractive tie should bring in some welcome revenue – because we are not making much money in gate receipts.

I know last Saturday’s weather wasn’t the best, but the crowd was a very disappointing 721.

It’s the same old faces at the games, but the club needs to attract new support for a sustainable future.

The club's performance on and off the field deserves more than the support they are getting, but it’s difficult and very frustrating.

Is Saturday night the problem? The standard of League One? Or are the Furness public not interested in rugby league? Probably a bit of everything, so we must keep winning and I’m sure the support will come.

Last week, we had to be patient to overcome the poor weather conditions of persistent rain, wind and the mud. We went in at half-time 6-0 up after a converted try from star half-back Lewis Charnock.

I was a bit concerned, but Barrow played the perfect game in the second half and the hard work paid off with three further tries against a tough Keighley outfit.

Their coach Craig Lingard said “For me, this wasn’t about the result, it was about the performance and the reaction. The penalty count was 12-6 against us and we certainly weren’t six penalties worse than Barrow.”

We have Whitehaven referee Gareth Hewer to thank for that, and I thought he had had a great game. He silenced his usual Barrow critics as the ritual shout of “get 'em on side ref” was absent.

Tomorrow, Keighley host Toronto Wolfpack, so we will watch with interest as the game is televised live on Premier Sports.

The Cougars coach is a big advocate of the new Toronto venture, believing it has given rugby league a much-needed shot in the arm, with southern teams like Barrow's opponents tonight, Hemel Stags, relocating north in partnership with Dewsbury Rams.

Yes, the Stags have transferred their training base to Dewsbury and are in a dual-registration agreement with the Yorkshiremen.

All of the Stags supporters (150) are outraged with the move and blame head coach Troy Perkins as the architect for the move and urged all their supporters to sign a petition to stop it.

Apparently, there was no consultation and the reality is that any southern-based player aspiring to play in League One will have to make a 340-mile round-trip three times per week, should they wish to be considered.

Furthermore, the team will be made up of northern-based players, with no loyalty, involvement or understanding of the history of the Stags.

So, we are playing a club undergoing a significant transition with no victories to date and, barring severe complacency, we should win comfortably.

See you there.