Presented by MH Travel North Wales
North Wales Crusaders shall look to maintain their position at the top of Betfred League One this weekend when they travel to face Keighley Cougars on Sunday.
Having been locked in a title race with Oldham last season which ended with in the Cougars narrowly missing out on promotion, the 2025 season to date has proved difficult for the Yorkshire outfit who currently sit second from bottom without a win in their opening seven games.
However, anyone who writes off a side which contains the likes of Jack Miller, Junior Sa’u and Billy Walkley does so at their peril, and with the recent appointment of Alan Kilshaw as Head Coach, don’t be surprised to see the Cougars turn their season around and finish inside the top four come the end of the year.
🗒️ Formbook:
Currently sat 9th in Betfred League One, Keighley have managed just one win since last season’s play-off final defeat to Hunslet which came in the shape of a 7-6 victory over Midlands Hurricanes in the 1895 Cup back in February.
League form currently makes for difficult reading for Cougars supporters. Following an opening day 44-0 loss to Rochdale Hornets, Keighley have suffered a further six straight defeats with the most recent coming at home to Workington when they were beaten 46-6.
However, the recent change at the helm saw former Swinton Lions coach Alan Kilshaw appointed to the same role at Keighley and having dropped several star names for the defeat to Workington last time out, it can only be expected that he’ll be looking for a reaction from his new side at Cougar Park this Sunday, a reaction which could kick-start their season.
đź‘ĄÂ One To Watch:
Don’t be fooled by Keighley’s current league position. With one of the best squad’s in League One, the Cougars’ ranks are packed with talent, and one of many names which jumps out from the squad list is that of Junior Sa’u.
The 38-year-old has spent most of his career at the top level, plying his trade in both the NRL and Super League whilst also picking up international caps with both New Zealand and Samoa.
A player with plenty of experienced and the ability to take control of a game at centre, Sa’u is one of the individuals which Kilshaw will be looking towards when it comes to turning the Cougars’ season around starting this Sunday against North Wales.
🗣️ Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Foster said: “Keighley are a strange one this season, they’ve spent big and I think everyone had them down as favourites for the league this year, so to be sat near the bottom of the division without a win after seven games is probably a surprise to everybody.
“That being said, I think you have to discount their league position, we know they have the quality in their squad and should be capable of going on an unbeaten run and quickly climb up the league, I wouldn’t be surprised to still see them in the top four come the end of the season.
“On that basis, that’s how we’ll approach the game, as if it’s a top of the table clash, because we’ll prepare for them at their best rather than looking at the league table.”
You can read his full thoughts by clicking HERE
🏟️ Supporter Information:
Keighley Cougars play their home games at Cougar Park; Cougar Park, Royd Ings Ave, Keighley BD21 3RF.
The stadium is features several food outlets as well as an on site supporters bar and both covered (seated) and uncovered (standing) stands to enjoy the game from.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Cougars by clicking HERE.