Preview: Batley v Barrow

Batley coach Karl Harrison is demanding a huge improvement from his side after last week’s home defeat against Sheffield.

The Northern Rail Cup finalists lost 20-12 in a result that Harrison believes has jeopardised Batley’s chances of appearing in the Co-operative Championship play-offs.

Harrison said: “There was lots of effort but there were too many dumb plays.

“It was a game we should have won. We’re now probably struggling for the six.”

Injury-ravaged Bulldogs are likely to be without Paul Handforth (thigh) and Gareth Moore (shoulder), leaving Harrison with few options to cover his half-back positions.

Barrow coach Steve McCormack is warning his troops to prepare for battle when they travel to West Yorkshire.

Raiders beat Batley 56-10 in April, but McCormack has revealed that Harrison has been promising to get his revenge.

McCormack told the North West Evening Mail: “There was a lot of banter between myself and Karl after we beat them here, but he warned me that things will be a lot different when we go to Mount Pleasant.

“This game is going to be a big challenge for us.”