Two wins on the spin a boost for Cougars

3:11pm Thursday 10th July 2008

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Keighley Cougars have had a confidence boost going into this weekend's game against Gateshead after winning their second match on the trot with a convincing 36-22 win at Rochdale last Sunday.

After the Cougars endured a horrible June, which saw them lose three straight games, head coach Barry Eaton said his side had been soft in defence and were mentally weak.

Two weeks later and the Cougars seem to have corrected those faults and Eaton said last Sunday's victory showed character, especially considering centre Mick Fogerty was sent off for a high tackle with 35 minutes to play against Rochdale.

While Eaton said he had no arguments with the red card, he said there was no malice shown by Fogerty. He is hoping that the RFL panel will take that into consideration at Fogerty's hearing next Tuesday.

So Fogerty will be in the squad for this Sunday's game against Gateshead at Cougar Park, which kicks off at 3pm.

However the Cougars do have one doubt for the game.

Simon Bissell took a knock to a knee against Rochdale and might not feature on Sunday.

If Bissell cannot play, Eaton is hoping that either Neil Lowe or Will Cartledge will come through tonight's reserve team game unscathed and be in line to start on Sunday.

The Cougars' second team play Featherstone Rovers at Cougar Park tonight with kick-off set for 7.30pm.

Cartledge is attempting to return from a broken arm while Lowe is coming back from a foot injury. Winger Gavin Duffy will also be making his return from a broken leg.

With players returning to the first team squad in the next couple of weeks, Eaton said: "Competition for places will be hotting up again. A lot of players will be chomping at the bit to get a first team place for the run-in. With players forcing their way into my plans it will give me some options."

As it is Eaton will be hoping his squad can build on their two straight victories with another win against Gateshead on Sunday.

However, he realises that will not be an easy task against a team who are joint league leaders with Barrow Raiders who suffered their first loss last weekend.

Gateshead Thunder feature 11 Australians in their side, a provision they are allowed as the RFL deem them to be a growing club in a hot bed area.

Only Gateshead and London Skolars are allowed so many overseas players, while the Cougars and other NL2 teams can have just two.