Anthony Murray is confident that increased competition for places among the North Wales Crusaders squad will enhance their prospects this season.

The Cru coach oversaw a return to winning ways with a 42-6 result against Coventry Bears at the weekend after welcoming back Johnny Walker and Alex Thompson from injury.

On-loan Widnes Vikings full-back Olly Ashall was also restored to the side after injury, running in two tries in the rout.

And Murray believes that the club's dual registration partnership with the Vikings coupled with the return of key personnel will bolster their play-off push this season.

He said: "The Widnes lads who've come in like Olly have shown a great attitude to being here and always train with full commitment in every session.That's what being in a partnership is all about.

"But our own lads too are playing really well - it's really nice to see Kenny Baker doing so well, with Ryan Smith and Tommy Johnson who's been an ever present at the back.

"Joe Bate in the middle Jordan Case and Jack Houghton - they're all putting a shift in and doing well and they seem to be complementing each other and the Widnes lads who've come in too.

"What Johnny Walker and Alex Thompson give you is the fact they are Crusaders through and through. They've been here in all of the time I've coached here and they know the Crusaders way. They're very vocal out there and against Coventry I think they showed that - because they talk really well and know what playing for the club means.

"It'll be nice to see a couple of others back from injury too with Lee Hudson and James Dandy - two really good lads. They're players who show a lot of passion for the club and them coming back in will give us added competition for places."

After a torrid start to the season under former coach Mike Grady, the Wrexham club were winless in four League One games.

The club's fortunes have been transformed under Murray, who has guided them to four wins from seven in his second spell with the club.

Captain Tommy Johnson is in his sixth season with the club and believes Murray's return has restored some much-needed stability.

He said: "I've been here a few years and there's been a few ups and downs in that time, but there's always been a good feel about the club and a positive vibe that the supporters here really help with.

"We're doing a lot better this year and have turned things round a bit. We're striving for better and we're showing that we can compete against the top sides.

"You can't take any team lightly in this league. That's why we go into every game knowing that we're in for a fight against so many top sides. "There's a good feel about the place - the training's a lot more intense and the lads are responding so we can't really fault it."

A reduced League One fixture list sees Hunslet host Whitehaven tomorrow, while struggling West Wales Raiders entertain Newcastle on Sunday as fourth-placed Doncaster head to Oldham.