Barrow Raiders are fighting what may turn out to be a losing battle against relegation from the Betfred Championship, but head coach Paul Crarey is urging the club’s followers to maintain some perspective.

Last Sunday’s defeat at Swinton Lions, combined with Dewsbury’s 28-28 draw against Halifax, put the Raiders three points behind the Rams and Widnes Vikings and the former are expected go five clear tomorrow when they face bottom side Rochdale.

Crarey, who is in his second spell in charge, has reminded critics that although the current situation looks bleak, the club has known more desperate days, including last year’s financial crisis.

He said: “We have walked into the club twice when it has been on its backside and we fought hard last season when there was £7.50 in the bank.

“We never walked away from the club when it was falling apart around us with ten games to go.

“We kept it all together and encouraged [current chairman] Steve Neale to join the board, and John Coward, after Karen [Heighton] had asked me for support and for me not to leave.

“When things get tough for us, some people stick the boot in instead of recognising the work that’s been put in over the last five years by the staff and support. Barrow rugby is not just about winning or losing, believe me.”

In all likelihood, Barrow will have to win at least three of their last five games if they are to escape the drop, but Crarey isn’t just targeting the remaining home fixtures against York, Bradford and Batley.

Crarey said: “You don’t know where your win’s coming from - you look at Swinton when they went to Toulouse and won, they went to Bradford and got a draw, we went to Featherstone and won and we played Halifax at home and beat them.

“We’ve had a good competition against Bradford, I think they set up against us pretty well and they suit them and they suit us with the way they play.”