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Thornton Relishing Semi-Final


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<p>Doncaster Rugby League head coach Gary Thornton spoke to the official website ahead of Sunday's play-off semi-final.</p>

<p>The Dons travel to Craven Park to take on Barrow Raiders, looking to secure a place in next week's final.</p>

<p>Thornton whose side come into the match having finished one place lower in League 1 than Barrow says his side can't wait for the tie.</p>

<p>He said: "We are looking forward to it, we have a big challenge ahead, there is a lot at stake and we are really excited about going up there in the semi-final and hopefully having a crack at the final.</p>

<p>"It is an enclosed ground, they have a good following so there will be a lot of people there, fans are close to the pitch and it can be intimidating at times on the wings and flanks.</p>

<p>"We need to put that out of our minds though, we have to go there and be professional and do a really good job.</p>

<p>"We need to worry about who we are facing on the field rather than the environment and we need to get our act together.</p>

<p>"Last time we played Barrow we were very disappointing and we have to take that into consideration.</p>

<p>"Barrow have been on a really good run of form, but I think if we can show the same level of performance for 60 minutes against York and in elements of the London game, we can be a match for them.</p>

<p>"We have to remember we beat them with 12-men earlier in the season, it was a terrific performance that day and is one of our highlights of the season.</p>

<p>"I'm confident though, I believe we can go up there, give it a really good go, compete and hopefully do ourselves justice."</p>

<p>The Dons head coach was pleased with the way his side ended the regular season and hopes that form can continue on Sunday.</p>

<p>"It is all about winning and building momentum and we certainly built some over our last two games, so we will be looking to keep that going.</p>

<p>"This will be a tougher fixture than London at home two weeks ago, no disrespect to London, but Barrow on their own pitch with all the journey and the rest of it, it is going to be a tough ask."</p>

<p>"These are the games that players should want to play in, everyone needs to be chomping at the bit to get on the field and play against Barrow on Sunday.</p>

<p>"It is a semi-final with the chance to go into a final and gain promotion to the Championship, the players have really got to grasp that and relish it.</p>

<p>"Barrow have a massive pack, Paul Crarey has built his team around a really big pack of forwards with some experience, Martin Aspinwall, Oliver Wilkes and Joe Bullock all have plenty of experience at a higher level.</p>

<p>"We have to match them and get on top, I was delighted at York when Iafeta Paleaaesina, Makali Aizue and Mark Castle were available from the bench, we had that extra impetus from the interchange and we will be hoping for something similar on Sunday."</p>

<p>Thornton acknowledged that some teams have difficulties rising to the occasion and has called on his side to express themselves in Cumbria.</p>

<p>"Spirits are really high, we are all really looking forward to it, I hope the players don't freeze, I hope they enjoy it and see if we can come up with the right result," added Thornton.</p>

<p>"I believe we have a terrific group of players and I would like them to create some memories for Doncaster.</p>

<p>"If we can do that by going to Barrow and winning the semi-final and get to the final we will have created some memories and that is what I want to happen.</p>

<p>"We have a game plan, but within that game plan you have to let your players play as well.</p>

<p>"The likes of Jordan Howden, Jordie Hedges, Kyle Kesik and George Milton are all capable of coming up with moments of magic on their own, without us telling them what to do.</p>

<p>"We want them to play, be creative and be themselves whilst sticking to the game plan, be tough defensively and take the chances when they come along."</p>

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