Ker-ching: Sheffield Eagles cash in on Friday night action

Friday nights are all right for Mark Aston as Sheffield Eagles look to boost their coffers with evening fixtures.
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Eagles

Eagles host Dewsbury Rams at the OLP as they return to action following last weekend's break for the Challenge Cup Final.

Aston's side will enjoy home advantage in four out of their last five fixtures in the 2018 campaign, and they know they could mathematically seal their second-tier status with a win against the Rams (7,45pm).

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Eagles, who last regularly played on Fridays during their one season stay at Bawtry Road, are seeking extra revenue as they switch from their regular Sunday afternoon slot.

'We have asked for it (Friday fixtures), and we have got it which is great,' Aston told The Star.

'We want to see how playing on a Friday will work for us. We believe that it will help us with the corporate side, we think it will be a better on a Friday night. We also feel it will work for our supporters, so we'll see how well it goes down. It is something we have look at doing and we are looking to use the opportunity.'

Since their move back into the Steel City, the OLP (Olympic Legacy Park) hasn't been the fortress that Aston would have liked.

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It has taken his side time to adapt to their surroundings, underlined by a number of home soil early season hammerings by some of the Championship's elite clubs.

Spiralling costs have also ensured that it has been an expensive place to play, but towards the end of the regular season there were signs that Aston's side were getting to grips with their latest home, after victories over the likes of Dewsbury and Barrow.

'To have four home games is great,' Aston continued.

'We need to finish the season by putting smiles on the faces of the fans. We haven't been great at home this year, we know that.

'We have taken a bit of time to adapt to life here at the OLP, but certainly now is the time to make sure that we get the results in the bag, bring in some extra revenue and kick on. As we know though it does cost us a lot to play here as well, because of the prices that we have to pay, but if we can build some momentum we may see a few more come down to see us.'