BARROW Raiders have been dealt a blow ahead of Sunday's Challenge Cup clash at York City Knights after stand-off Jamie Dallimore was banned for six matches.

The club are to appeal it but that won't be heard until next week so he remains ineligible this weekend, having been found guilty of a grade 'D' dangerous contact in the win over Workington.

Back-rower Bradd Crellin is also out after picking up a leg injury in last week's 50-6 win at fellow promotion hopefuls Newcastle - when Thunder had former Knights skipper Jack Aldous sent off in the first half for punching Ollie Wilkes.

The Raiders, though, have veteran former Super League forward Martin Aspinwall back after illness, and Brad Marwood is a natural replacement for Dallimore in the halves.

York boss Ford was well aware of the threat possessed by Paul Crarey's men - rated by many as favourites to go up alongside moneybags Toronto, who this week added Super League star Ryan Brierley to their bulging ranks.

Ford said: "Like Doncaster last week, Barrow have big, powerful blokes who can carry the ball and they're probably a bit more organised in possession, as evidence by their run in the league.

"At the minute they're playing really well. Paul's done a really good job."

On Dallimore's absence, he added: "If they're going to be second favourites (in the league), they'll be able to play without him.

"The main man for me is (prop) Joe Bullock. He gets them going forward from exit and gets them playing on the front foot. We need to get off our line and get into him."

* NEWCASTLE'S ex-York captain, Jack Aldous, has been charged with using foul and abusive language towards a match official in the Thunder's defeat by Barrow, in addition to being sent off for punching.

Doncaster's Jamie Thackray has been banned for using foul and abusive language during the Dons' heavy defeat to Toronto. Newcastle's Will Bentley has been suspended for four matches for spitting.