Cougar coach Gary Moorby slammed his side's Jekyl and Hyde performance after they were pushed all the way by bottom club Gateshead Thunder last week.

He accused players of failing to follow instructions after taking a healthy lead, and allowing the home side to fight their way back into the game.

But he added: "I always felt that we could win the game as long as we played to the game plan and remained patient."

But it was the way players lost their discipline in the middle of the game which caused the coaching staff - and spectators - their biggest headache.

After taking an 18-4 lead they allowed basic errors to flood back into the game, and defensive errors threw the match wide open.

"We gave Gateshead opportunities and they took advantage. They are similar to us in that they are a young and enthusiastic side and when they took the lead it really boosted their confidence.

"In the final quarter of the game we returned to the game plan and we finally got our reward." Mick Durham's work rate was outstanding and Matty Firth never stopped trying to get us going and Paul Ashton lifted the side when he came on.

"James Rushton's efforts were rewarded with the winning try, and the most important thing was that we never stopped trying. Six months ago, if we had been in t he same position we would probably have lost the game. I feel we showed some character by coming back and taking the points."

The team will have to show even more character on Sunday when they return to Cougar Park to face Huddersfield Giants, the team favourite to win promotion back into Super League.

Back in January they hammered Cougars 66-0 at the McAlpine Stadium and the return fixture will be a tough test of how much progress has been made, and of the resolve of Moorby's young side. They will have to dig very deep to test their abilities against a potential Super League squad.

Moorby said: "Obviously Huddersfield are favourites to win promotion back into to Super League. The majority of the side are full time professionals and they are a very good footballing side.

"We will prepare for the game in a professional manner as we do for all our games, and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves."

But Moorby will be without Craig Horne who has been given a one match ban for kicking an opponent during the game against Featherstone, Craig Booth was banned for two games for punching in the same game with both players fined £75.

Max Tomlinson is expected to return to the starting line-up in place of Horne. Karl Smith is still sidelined with bruised ribs and Stuart Calvert has yet to recover from his groin injury.

Lee Kelly will have a late fitness check after damaging ankle ligaments, but it hoped he will be fit to play.

n The Cougar Academy plays its last home game when they meet Whitehaven on Saturday, kick-off 2.30.

After pulling off a thrilling 25-24 victory over Sheffield last weekend they hope to extend their winning run to four games.

They were due to have finished the season with a home game against Workington, but the Cumbrian club has pulled out of the competition.

"The lads have shown remarkable spirit and are performing much better than we expected, said manager Jeremy Crowther.