SUPER League leaders Saints will be hoping turnstiles click more merrily than of late when London Broncos come to Knowsley Road on Sunday, kick-off 6.35pm.

For, despite the team's entertaining rugby, the hard core of home support has dwindled with the previous gate versus Castleford being 6,979, although the away following remains good.

Television, holidays and unemployment have been advanced as reasons for the decline, but the fact is Saints need more revenue if they are to compete with Bradford, Leeds and Wigan.

And although the Bronco's game is also on the 'box,' Saints' board are appealing to the stay-aways to return to the fold, both to give a much-needed boost to the club's coffers, and to get behind the high-flying squad from the terraces.

The injury report is largely good news for coach Ian Millward. Paul Wellens' hand is not broken and he could play; Paul Newlove may return after missing seven games because of hamstring trouble, while Sean Hoppe, Dwayne West and Sean Long have recovered from knocks sustained at Salford.

Skippered by ex-Saint Karle Hammond, struggling London hope to field the side that defeated Halifax at the Valley on Sunday ie: Fleming; Napoli, Timu, Roper, Peters; Tollett, Warton; Dooley, Callaway, Cram, Retchless, Johnson, Hammond. Substitutes Millard, Sozi, Seibold, Lupton.

Karle Kirkpatrick is referee, and Radio Merseyside coverage begins at 6pm.

Saints are holding a beach party and family fun day before the game, starting at 2pm, when attractions will include a roadshow, singers, cyber babes, telebubbies, tweenies, Rupert Bear, bouncy castle, bars and refreshments, plus Bernard and Bernadette. Saints' chairman Howard Morris, John McKiernan of St. Helens Town, and Alan Walker of Liverpool St. Helens, discussed progress on the new stadium with Ray French and Alan Rooney on Radio Merseyside last night (Wednesday).

The second-placed Alliance team kept up the pressure on leaders Wigan with a 46-12 victory over Salford at Knowsley Road. Man-of-the-match Grant Bithell (2), Paul Atcheson (2), David Cunliffe (2), Jason Johnson and John Stankevitch scored tries and John Braddish kicked seven goals. Team: McCully; Camman, Atcheson, Cunliffe, Birkett; Braddish, Bithell; Henare, Hamilton, Edmondson, Bennett, Stankevitch, Johnson. Substitutes Loughlin, Holdstock, Giles, McConnell. Attendance 413. Wigan Alliance team visit Knowsley Road in what could be a championship decider on Wednesday, August 9, kick-off 7.30pm

Kevin Iro has been taken off the overseas quota and contract talks continue with the player. Saints are still monitoring the situation in the hope of signing Wayne McDonald. Chris Smith is recovering from a second hernia operation. Saints have denied they are interested in re-signing Karle Hammond.

The Academy team won 46-12 at Salford. They entertain London Broncos on Sunday, kick-off 4.15pm. Former chief executive Nigel Hansford, who left Saints last year, is to return as club accountant.

A sportsman's dinner in aid of the BARLA under-16 Australian tour will be held at Saints on Friday, October 6, from 7.30pm. Speaker is ex-Leeds United and Republic of Ireland soccer star Johnny Giles, comedian Dusty Young and compere Lennie Lowe. Tickets cost £25 (table of 10 £225) and are obtainable from tour business manager Barry Hyland on 454627.

The Junior Saints trip to Wakefield on Sunday, August 13 will cost £5.50 children and £6.50 adults. Non-members 4-12 welcome. Seats bookable by ringing Freda on 602253.

Ex-Wigan and Great Britain forward Bill Ashurst will be guest speaker at tomorrow's First Friday club dinner at Saints, starting at 1pm. Table of ten costs £225 and a single lunch is £25. Details from Helen Lawrenson or Kel Coslett on 23697.

Rugby Union at senior level will be played at Knowsley Road for the first time when Liverpool St. Helens face Welsh club Pwllheli on Saturday, August 12, kick-off 3pm. Saints' football manager Eric Hughes will have charge of the LSH squad.

St. Bernard (alias Joe Critchley) has produced a special edition Saints' shirt commemorating the epic victory at Wigan. Depicting Tommy Martyn with the lovable hound and graphically illustrated, the shirt costs £7.99 and is available at 9 Penny Lane, Haydock, telephone 608500, fax 602603.

Vine Tavern RFC will hold a mixed dinner and casino night at the Nexus club, Westfield Street, on Thursday, August 24, when Alex Murphy and Malcolm Lord will be guest speakers. Tickets cost £20 (table of eight £160) and are available from Doug Whittle on 613331.

Answer to correspondent Bill Murray, of Crank: Five Saints' players were included in the Great Britain squad that toured Australia in 1978. They were Peter Glynn, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Roy Mathias and George Nicholls.