Dewsbury boss eyes win for safety

Rams coach Warren Jowitt believes victory in Sunday’s Co-operative Championship derby with Northern Rail Cup winners Batley will almost certainly secure his side’s Championship status for next season.

Dewsbury are currently four points clear of second-bottom Whitehaven. Both clubs have four games to play.

Jowitt said: “At this moment in time, Whitehaven have to win twice to go above us. A win and a bonus point won’t do them any favours. Keighley have to win three times to go above us.

“If we win on Sunday then that puts pressure on both those teams.

“A win is the best option for us, but even a bonus point puts a bit more pressure on those two teams chasing us.”

Andrew Bostock and Scott Turner should return for Dewsbury, but Ayden Faal has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hernia problem.

Dewsbury’s James Walker starts his two-match suspension, while Josh Griffin could return to the Bulldogs squad after missing last week’s Northern Rail Cup triumph due to ineligibility.

Batley coach Karl Harrison must keep his side focussed after last week’s victory in Blackpool. “It was an amazing effort,” he said.