Championship preview: Batley v Workington (Sun)

Bulldogs coach John Kear is set to check on Ash Lindsay ahead of a match that Batley are desperate to win.

Kear’s men have suffered five consecutive defeats since their last triumph – a 30-4 victory over Workington Town in the Northern Rail Cup.

Since then Sheffield, Leigh, Featherstone, Whitehaven and Doncaster have all got the better of Batley – and Kear has been left fuming.

He said: “In the first half (against Doncaster) it appeared as though we made no effort.”

Workington coach Gary Charlton is preparing for a difficult eight days, with three games against top five opposition starting with Sunday’s trip to Mount Pleasant.

Town look likely to be without Shaun Briscoe (knee), but Jamie Thackray could force his way into contention.

Charlton said: “It’s going to be tough, but hopefully we’ll have a few blokes back on the field.

“We just have to man up, go down there and try our best, and see where that takes us.”