BEHIND only on points difference to leaders Bradford, a Saints' side boosted by the epic win at Wigan will be hoping to reduce the leeway at Huddersfield on Sunday (3pm).

The clash at the McAlpine Stadium is a real top-versus- bottom affair, with basement club Giants having won just two games in 18 outings, while high-flying Saints have notched 15 from the same number of games.

However, there will no room for complacency from coach Ian Millward and his men, and there is a good chance that Saints will be able to field a better side than first thought after the torrid encounter at the JJB Stadium.

Although Apollo Perelini and Kevin Iro have joined Paul Newlove, Tony Stewart and Chris Smith on the injured list, Paul Atcheson, who last played against Bradford on June 1, and Freddie Tuilagi (versus Hull, May 27) could be set to return.

Vila Matautia was due to face the disciplinary board on Tuesday after being placed on report at Wigan, but Sonny Nickle has been cleared of any offence on Andy Farrell in the same game.

Huddersfield-Sheffield include ex-Saint Danny Arnold in their squad, which is: Sovatabua; Cooper, Gleeson, Dekkiche, Arnold; Ngamu, Thorman; Marshall, Lawless, Laughton, Bradbury, Turner, Hardy. Substitutes Lomax, Russell, Cardoza, Rice.

Steve Presley is the referee, coaches leave Knowsley Road at 1pm, price £8 and £6, and Radio Merseyside coverage by Alan Rooney begins at 2.30pm.

Chairman Howard Morris thanked the tremendous support at Wigan. 'Even when Saints were losing 16-nil the 'Barmy Army' behind the posts still got behind their team and, take it from me, the lads really appreciated this. It all added up to a terrific atmosphere in what is an all-seater stadim,' said Mr. Morris. Another welcome spin-off from the monumental victory at Wigan has been a massive boost in trade at the Superstore. Said manageress Christine Hesketh: 'Demand for the match video has gone through the roof, both to buy and to hire, while sale of general Saints' merchandise has also shown a big increase.'

Still on video viewing, many local pubs and clubs report colossal screening time, while I can personally vouch that continuous re-runs of the latest Wigan-Saints epic are nightly features at the Greenall Whitley watering hole in Alder Hey Road.

Players player-of-the-month awards are: February/March/April Keiron Cunningham. May Kevin Iro. June Paul Wellens.

Ian Millward has been invited to South Africa to assist top Rugby Union coaches and players in the forthcoming season. John Monie, Darryl Van de Velde and Stuart Raper have also been approached by official Barry Haslam.

Saints' in-form centre Sean Hoppe has been included in the 42-man New Zealand squad for this year's Lincoln Finance World Cup tournament. The Independent Supporters' Association will hold a quiz night with prizes at the Unison club, Bishop Road, on Saturday, August 5, from 8pm. Teams of up to six. Tickets £2. Bar snacks available. Details from Linda Edwards on 07788 650063.

A few copies of Saints' Millennium book 'Marching On' are available at the superstore at a bargain price £15.

The Academy team lost 42-16 at Wigan on Sunday.

Saints home match versus Castleford which was originally due to be played on Sunday, July 23, has been rearranged for Friday, July 21, kick-off 7.30pm. It will be televised on Sky.

The annual general meeting of shareholders will be held at Knowsley Road on Tuesday, July 25, from 7.15pm.

Man-of-the-match John Braddish led the way with two tries and seven goals when the Alliance side defeated Dewsbury Rams 50-18 at Knowsley Road. Saints' other tries were scored by Jason Johnson (2), Gareth Price, Mark McCully, David Cunliffe, Chris Giles and Scott Barrow. Team: McCully; Camman, Giles, Cunliffe, Kirkpatrick; Barrow, Braddish; Loughlin, Hamilton, Edmondson, Holdstock, Price, Johnson. Substitutes Birkett, Bithell, McConnell, Proudfoot. Attendance 328.

Hat-trick hero at Wigan Tommy Martyn will be interviewed by Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt on BBC GMR tonight (Thursday) between 7-8pm. Tune in to 95.1 medium wave.

The Solar Sports radio station, which is based at St. Helens College, features a Rugby League programme by Steve Manning each Monday from 6-7pm. Wavelength is 12.87 medium wave.

The official Supporters' Club will hold a cabaret and disco at Knowsley Road on Friday, July 21, from 8pm. Tickets cost £3 from the superstore.