Given permission for photo use by Emily Parker to George Carden on Facebook.

Swinton Lions have been drawn against fellow Betfred Championship side Widnes Vikings in the fifth round of the Coral Challenge Cup.

The Lions will be making the 30-mile trip to Cheshire as they face the Vikings, who currently sit one place and two points above them in the league. The tie will be happening on March 14th or 15th.

Swinton beat Leigh Miners Rangers 56-0 on the weekend, whilst Widnes Vikings came out with an impressive victory over another fellow Championship side, beating Oldham 52-12.

Swinton Lions’ Assistant Coach Allan Coleman, spoke to Salford Now about their comprehensive victory over Leigh Miners Rangers and the upcoming tie against Widnes Vikings.

Photo permission given to George Carden by Emily J Parker
CC: Emily J Parker

He said: “I think the weather had a big effect on the game. It was really heavy conditions.

“If the ground was dryer and firmer, it would have been even more convincing for ourselves to be honest.

“I thought their [Leigh Miners Rangers] effort was fantastic.

“Even though they went behind quite early, they never gave up and they kept coming back at us.

“They did the club proud. Like I said before, they are a very young team that I think have a promising future.”

Coleman spoke of his teams desire to win against a good Widnes side with an experienced coach.

Permission given to George Carden by Emily Parker on Facebook
CC: Emily J Parker

He said: “Widnes are one of the big guns in our division, they have got some big names in at the moment.

“Tim Sheens is their Head Coach, he’s coached Australia’s national side and some big teams in Australia.

“It’s going to be great for myself and Stuart Littler to put ourselves against him.

“We have got to go with confidence, express ourselves and show what we’re about.

“If we concentrate on our own ability, we have got a really good chance.

“I’m quietly confident. We are not going there to make a game of it, we are going there to win.”

Swinton Lions have two matches to focus on before their Challenge Cup tie. Stuart Littler’s side host Leigh Centurions on March 1 and travel to Featherstone Rovers on March 8.

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