SWINTON will be looking for a big lift from Sunday's prestigious Challenge Cup game against Widnes at Gigg Lane (kick-off 3pm).

The Lions roar is more of a croak at the moment -- and that isn't good news going into such an important Cup game.

Chairman Malcolm White resigned earlier in the week after tiring of low gates and constant criticism from the fans.

"I thought I would give somebody else a chance and see what happens," said White, who will be in the crowd on Sunday. "I"ve been a fan for 40 years and chairman for 10, so I am not going to stop watching them now. I will still be going, home and away," added White.

Chief executive Tony Barrow has taken over the day-to-day running of the club, and he issued this plea to the spectators.

"We need to have 1,000 people coming through the gates for each home game. It's up to the spectators now to show that they want a club," said Barrow.

Just over 200 spectators turned up for the third round tie against Humberside amateurs Skirlaugh at Gigg Lane a week last Wednesday.

They wouldn't have been over-impressed, as Swinton just about managed to scrape through that one after being forced into extra time, but Sunday's game against Widnes should be the highlight of the season.

The Vikings are expected to bring several thousand fans across from Merseyside and they will have a full strength team on show as they limber up for the start of Super League after winning promotion from the Northern Ford Premiership last season.

Star of the show, Phil Cantillon, will be making his 100th consecutive appearance -- not bad for a hooker -- and full back Steve Spruce and forward Steve McCurrie could return after being sidelined with groin injuries.

Aussie utility back Craig Weston is Widnes's only doubt as he continues his comeback after suffering a twisted knee.

Swinton team boss Tony Humphries has had a difficult time so far, with the latest setback being the cancelled game at Gateshead last week.

"That didn't help our players one bit. We are desperately short of match practice and I fear that will be the key to Sunday's game against Widnes.'' Missing from the Swinton line-up is former Barrow utility player Anthony Murray, who will be attending a family wedding.

Humphries will switch Karl Fitzpatrick, one of three on-loan signings from Widnes, from loose forward to half back to replace the absent Murray.

Hugh Thorpe, an ex-England University centre, is expected to be named on the bench.

The 6ft 3in Thorpe played in a friendly against Chorley in pre-season after touring Russia with England and is itching for a first team run-out with Swinton.

"He's a big, strong lad. Plenty of other people have remarked on that," said Humphries, "but he also looks a very, very good player.

"He's buzzing at the moment and he was gutted that he wouldn't be starting on Sunday. That's how keen he is to play."

Adam Hughes, another of the former Widnes crew, will be back at full back for the Lions, with Wayne English dropping to the bench.

The Lions other ex-Widnes players, Alan Shea and Lee Hansen, will also be involved on Sunday, unless Widnes slap a ban on their on-loan stars taking part in the cup-tie.