BATLEY Bulldogs coach Paul Storey has paid Heworth the ultimate compliment by taking the Challenge Cup tie against the York amateurs as seriously as he would a Northern Ford Premiership match.

Storey will also field his strongest side, putting out the same 17 as that which took on former Super League big-guns Huddersfield Giants in the NFP last week, barring shoulder injury victim Dean Lawford.

"It's a big game for Heworth and we won't be taking anything lightly," Storey told the Evening Press.

"It's their big chance to impress and I'm sure they've been working hard and will be up for it.

"We've got to be confident but we will be treating the game like any other league game and preparing in the same way."

Rich Griffiths or Chris Hough will replace Lawford in the Batley line-up, while, for Heworth, player-coach Brendan Carlyle has reported no new injury worries for the third round clash.

Kick-off is 3pm. Admission costs £8 (£5 concessions, £2.50 for juniors with Heworth membership cards). Coaches are running to the game from Heworth, leaving 1pm and returning 7pm. To book a seat (£5) contact Peter Ulliott on 01904 425007.

Updated: 10:35 Saturday, January 26, 2002