DIRECTOR of rugby Russell Gibson says Keighley's players are determined to extend their record run of clean sheets for as long as possible.

The Rose Cottage mean machine has not conceded a point since October 17 when they won 22-7 at Knottingley.

Since then they have produced four shut-outs on the trot in a remarkable ten-match winning sequence which has propelled them to second spot in Yorkshire Two.

They have kept a club record six clean sheets in total and their formidable tally of conceding just 51 points in 11 games is the second fewest in all 17 leagues of the RFU's Northern Division. Only Littleborough in Lancashire (North) have leaked fewer points with 47 but they have played one game less.

Ahead of Keighley's final league game of the year at home to Sheffield Medicals on Saturday, Gibson said: "The players heard we had one of the best records in the north earlier in the season and it's something they really picked up on.

"They've made it their aim not to concede any points. They are the ones who have championed the record (rather than the coaches) and it's testament to them as a group.

"They want to push it as far as they can."

Gibson highlighted discipline as one of the keys behind Keighley's run - something he admitted had not always been their strength.

He said: "We got a referee in to work with us in pre-season and help us gain a better understanding of those decisions which could go either way.

"But in terms of defensive structure, we have not done a great deal as there is no need to overcomplicate things.

"It has allowed us to work on other areas of our game."

Ample proof that Keighley are more than just a good defensive team came last Saturday as they thrashed promotion rivals Roundhegians 53-0 away from home to go above them in the table.

Gibson said: "We have traditionally been a forward-orientated team but our backs are also playing well and we are scoring a lot of tries out wide."

The director of rugby paid tribute to Danny McGee, who is enjoying success since stepping up to head coach this season. But he insisted it was the combined effort from the backroom team that was most important.

Gibson said: "Danny has great experience playing for the likes of Sedgley Park, Harrogate and Halifax. Since he has stopped playing, he has really been able to focus on coaching.

"A change of personnel - with no disrespect to Kevin Young and Graeme Sheffield (previous head coach and director of rugby) - has just refreshed things. All the coaching team, including Hamish Pratt, Micky Feather and Scott Dyson, are playing their part."

Keighley will be confident of beating tenth-placed Sheffield Medicals on Saturday, whom they beat 18-0 earlier in the season.

But Gibson is guarding against complacency. He said: "We want to sign off the year with a win but we are aware this could be a potential banana skin."