PAUL March is urging fans to turn out in force as Cougars bid to record a fourth straight win at home to North Wales Crusaders this weekend.

After being bundled out of the Challenge Cup and the iPro Sport League One Cup, March’s men have been left with the sole target of winning promotion.

Beginning their league campaign with victories over York City Knights, Hemel Stags and Newcastle Thunder has encouraged hopes that Keighley can make an immediate return to the Championship.

Ahead of Sunday’s visit of North Wales, March said: “We’ve had a good following at Hemel and Newcastle in our last two games, which is fantastic considering it’s over 100 miles for both trips.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to Cougar Park now and hopefully we’ll get another big crowd behind us.

“We had a big turn-out for the visit of York in our opening match and I know North Wales supporters travel as well, so we’re hoping for a big crowd.

“It’s going to be a tough game but we’ve spoken as a group and as long as we prepare right then it’s only ourselves who can beat us.

“We’re only three games in and we’re looking for a performance every week.

“We’re coming up against sides who are a bit unknown to us, so if we prepare well then we’ll have a good chance of winning.

“We have set standards and I think we reached those standards against York and Newcastle but I thought we were a bit below par against Hemel.

“We know what North Wales are all about and everyone will be up for it.”

March paid tribute to centre Hamish Barnes following his recent impressive displays in the wins over Hemel and Newcastle.

The 22-year-old centre from Halifax began training with Keighley in February and, after scoring in a friendly against Victoria Rangers, he signed a deal for the rest of the 2015 campaign.

He has scored three tries in two games but March could have Rikki Sheriffe – who has been on loan from Halifax – available again this weekend after he was recalled to his parent club.

March explained: “Hamish is doing everything I want him to do.

“He’s strong defensively and he runs some good lines as well, plus he has some experienced players around him which is helping him massively.

“I just hope his form continues because it increases competition for places.

“Hopefully we might have Rikki back this week and if that happens then everyone is going to have to be on the money.”

March’s brother David is fully fit and waiting for an opportunity while Matt Bailey is expected to be available this weekend despite taking a knock to the head in the win at Newcastle.

Player-boss March added: “You don’t necessarily want to change a winning side but with players like David you know what you’re going to get.”

Cougars travel to Featherstone Rovers in the Reserves Championship tomorrow night (kick-off 7.30pm).