BLACKBROOK ARLC boss Mark Lee has not ruled out a Challenge Cup shock at Langtree Park tomorrow – having already masterminded a notable victory over the Knights in his coaching career.

Lee, the former Salford, St Helens and Wales half-back, has coached in the pro game at the old Blackpool and Chorley clubs, as well as being an assistant at the City Reds.

And one of his last games in charge at Chorley was a 21-20 comeback win over National League Two title-chasing York in 2004, courtesy of an incredible 50-metre drop goal by Brian Capewell with six seconds on the clock.

“We were yelling at him to have a go as there was no time left,” recalled Lee.

“Danny Brough was playing for York and causing all sorts of damage that day but we wound him up a bit and in the end he got himself sin-binned, which helped.”

As for his team’s chances tomorrow, Lee said: “My hopes are we do ourselves justice and put on a good performance and that we get a decent crowd behind us and earn the club a few bob.

“It’s a win-win situation for us. It’s pretty difficult for a pro club travelling over with everyone expecting them to win and back up after a tough Easter. We’ll just want to enjoy the game.

“As far as winning goes, we will give it a good shot. If York play how they can, it could be a case of damage limitation. If we play how we can and they have an off-day, you never know.

“We’re looking more at putting on a performance and having a great day, but I’m not saying we’re going in with no hope, not by a long way.”

This will be Blackbrook’s third meeting against professional opposition, and their second against York.

The first, in February 1967, saw a crowd of 6,000 turn out at Knowsley Road – the old home of St Helens – to witness the Minster city club’s 23-12 first round win. York led only 9-8 at half-time but went on to finish with seven tries (then worth three points), while all of Blackbrook’s points came via penalties.

Blackbrook met the then Cup holders Castleford in 1987, losing 74-6 in a game played at Leeds’ Headingley ground because Cas’s pitch was unplayable due to snow. The club still boast that it was 6-6 at one point.

This is the first time since the format of the cup changed to include only amateur teams up to round two that ’Brook have reached the third round and a money-spinning game against a pro team.

Admission to the game (3pm ko) is £10 for adults – including up to three children free – or £6 for concessions (over-65s and students).


Blackbrook in focus

Last year: North West Men’s League champions

Current league position: 4th in National Conference League division three

Coach: Mark Lee

A LARGE community club with 13 junior teams and two senior sides, 'Brook are three times Lancashire Cup winners and have enjoyed regular success in North West leagues before switching to the National Conference League this year, playing alongside Heworth ARLC in the new division three. They are tipped by many to rise up the league and have won all three games this term.

As if to underline their NCL credentials, they reached the prized third round of the Challenge Cup thanks to a late comeback and golden point win over division one high-fliers Oulton, a Kyle Smith try 14 minutes into extra time completing the shock result. They also shocked Lock Lane, promoted to the premier division last year, earlier in the competition last autumn.

Squad for tomorrow (possible): Tommy Cunningham, Stephen Parkinson, Mark Leonard, Greg Hale, Aaron Hewitt, Sean Forber, Danny Fairhurst, Ste Marsh, Ian Honey, Neil Babbs, Craig Lyon, Sean Richardson, Lee Marsh. Subs: from Mark Webster, Dave Scott, Chris Springford, Kyle Smith, Jon Glover.

One to watch: former Leigh and Swinton goal-kicking loose-forward Lee Marsh, a strapping six-footer who can also play stand-off, has been collecting man-of-the-match accolades aplenty. Hooker Ian Honey is also a livewire from dummy-half.

Ground: Boardman’s Lane, but the game against York will be played at St Helens’ Langtree Park.

Miles from York: 89 miles (to Langtree Park). For supporters’ bus info, phone 07763 121732.

Nearest train station: St Helens 0.5 miles (to Langtree Park). Visit www.tpexpress.co.uk for train times and fares.