Steve takes it step at a time

Aug 28 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

KNOCKOUT play-off action is on the horizon for Widnes Vikings and deservedly so, according to Steve McCormack.

The head coach believes his players will relish the big stage, beginning with a visit to Halifax a week tonight (Thursday, September 4) for a tie which will be screened on Sky Sports.

Vikings all but secured a potentially-glorious extension to their season after last week’s hard-fought victory over Sheffield Eagles.

Now, despite narrowly going down to Whitehaven on Sunday, McCormack says his players will be ready to win at all costs in seven days.

McCormack said: “We wanted to go into the play-offs on the back of a win and on Sunday we made three or four clear-cut chances we have got to take.

“The sending-off of Michael Ostick was the worst thing that could have happened and we ended up with just 11 men on the pitch, which you can’t really expect to do anything with.

“But it was our goal to get into the top six and I always thought that we’d get in.

“Now we have achieved that, we have to reassess our goals and the play-offs are now another challenge for us.”

McCormack is looking forward to locking horns with Halifax again, after having played out two high-scoring classic encounters with the Yorkshire outfit already this season.

“Its a good draw and we’re looking forward to it. Halifax is a tough place to go but this is play-off football and it’s what we all play this game for!

“The last game at Halifax was one of the best games of the season as we both have strong sides that can play.”

He added: “But I’m not bothered what kind of game it is this time round as long as we win.”

McCormack admits play-off success would complete a miraculous comeback for the Vikings, who were deducted nine points at the start of the season.

“People have been writing us off all season and they will do again,” he said. “So all things considered, the players have done excellently.

“It’s been a tough season mentally and we have to keep bouncing back from all the knock-backs.

“The final is a long way off and we are not even thinking about it yet.

“After picking up a few injuries on Sunday and with us having no game this weekend, we will try to get some bodies back before we go to Halifax.”