Anthony Murray insists that a fixture-break will not derail North Wales Crusaders' positive momentum when they face Keighley Cougars.

After recording successive League One victories over Hemel stags and Whitehaven, Cru players enjoyed a fixture-free Sunday last weekend.

Keen to build on his side's recent resurgence, Murray has upped the intensity of training sessions heading into their home clash with the Cougars.

He said: "I don't think the break will affect us too much to be honest.

"The lads did well in the open training session last weekend and we've kept those levels up in sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

"It feels like there's a bit more confidence about the place after a good win at Whitehaven, but it's massively important that we get some consistency .

"We feel fresh and rested but Keighley are coming here in the same situation as us without playing a game themselves last weekend, so we're both in the same boat."

In a game played under former coach Mike Grady in February, the Cru enjoyed a stunning 28-24 comeback victory in the Challenge Cup against the Cougars.

Trailing 24-6 at the break, a superb second-half performance, that included a hat-trick of tries from Simon Atherton, saw the Wrexham club

accrue 22 unanswered points to win the game.

The fifth-placed Cougars have since gained momentum in the league and inflicted a 98-6 hammering on Coventry Bears last time out, crossing the whitewash 17 times at Cougar Park.

“They’re a really good side" added Murray.

“They will have learnt from the Challenge Cup defeat here a few months ago, and will no doubt be eager to turn that around and pick up an important two points.

"They were beaten at home by Whitehaven a couple of weeks ago, but they bounced back when they needed to with a massive win over Coventry.

"Craig (Lingard) has got them playing a decent brand of rugby, with a lot of good play going through their full-back.

"So it's not going to be easy, but I think we’re in for a fantastic game at the Queensway with our fans right behind us."

Dale Bloomfield, Johnny Walker and Alex Thompson have all overcome knocks and are set to feature on Sunday.

Hooker Lee Hudson is sidelined with a groin strain, while loose forward Ryan Millington is a long-term injury absentee.

League One leaders Bradford Bulls are in action tonight when they visit Newcastle Thunder.

Tomorrow's fixtures see London Skolars host Whitehaven, while Oldham visit winless West Wales Raiders

Second-placed York City Knights entertain Hemel Stags on Sunday, when Doncaster host Hunslet and Workington go to Coventry.