GARY MOORBY aims to get his team back on the winning trail in Sunday's clash with Batley Bulldogs.

The Cougar coach has had tough words with his players after last week's one-point defeat by Sheffield Eagles, and expects to make several changes to his team as they return to Arriva Cup action, but he is convinced they have the pedigree to pull off a victory.

"Admittedly we showed tremendous character to come back into the game after being 16 points adrift, but I was very disappointed with the final result.

"It was a game I genuinely thought we could win, and I think we should have won. We gave the Eagles too much and should never have allowed them to get so far in front. We have looked very hard at our performance over the last week. I have reminded the players they are playing for their places," he said.

Even before the game at Sheffield the Cougar coaching staff were planning to ring the chances in their starting line-up.

They wanted to give a string of other players a chance to make their mark after spending several hard months training.

"I told them that there would be changes win, loose or draw. I expect that the players who come in will be determined to stake their claim."

His decision was made easier by niggling injuries to Gareth Hewitt and Paul Ashton.

The team will also be without influential play-maker Jason Ramshaw who is away on holiday with his wife and family.

"Rammy has given months and months of service to the club and he deserved the chance to take his wife and children away for a break. It will give us a chance to ring the changes," Gary Moorby said.

The coach is confident his team will turn in a home win against the Bulldogs.

"Batley had a great season last year and were rewarded for their efforts with a place in National League One, but there have been several changes in the line-up at Mount Pleasant. There biggest loss has been the half back pairing of Dean Lawford, who has gone to Widnes, and Glen Tomlinson who has retired as a player. However, I've no doubt that Paul Storey's men will be out to stake a place in their first team and we can expect another tough game."

Among those likely to join the Cougar 17-man squad for Sunday's game are Adam Mitchell, who has been eager to get back into the thick of the action, Phil Guck, Lee Patterson and Lee Kelly.

"We are taking the Arriva Trains Cup very seriously, and want a good run to keep up our momentum, but the real action starts with the first league game on Good Friday.

"Before them I want to give everyone plenty of game time and give them a chance to show exactly what they are capable of," he said.

n The Cougars' Independent Supporters Club is planning a coach trip to London for the club's away trip to take on London Skolars in March.

Tickets are expected to cost about £15 each and details will be available from club members in the Supporters Club bar before and after Sunday's game.