Batley Bulldogs v Swinton Lions: '˜We're heading in the right direction' - Matt Diskin

BATLEY BULLDOGS are 'heading in the right direction', but new boss Matt Diskin reckons there still a long way to go.
Batley Bulldogs coach, Matt Diskin. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeBatley Bulldogs coach, Matt Diskin. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Batley Bulldogs coach, Matt Diskin. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Bulldogs will play host to Swinton Lions in the Kingstone Press Championship tomorrow (3pm) bidding to build on a 54-10 win over Sheffield Eagles six days ago.

Batley have won two of their four games and are in a sequence of a poor performance followed by a good one.

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Diskin, who took over from John Kear at the end of last season, said: “I thought we played really well last week. I think we made positive steps in the right direction against Sheffield, but there is still a long way to go and we are still fine-tuning things.

Batley Bulldogs' Alistair LeakBatley Bulldogs' Alistair Leak
Batley Bulldogs' Alistair Leak

“We are four games in and we have got to get some consistency.”

Swinton led at half-time in last week’s 30-13 defeat by Featherstone Rovers, and Diskin warned: “They are a good side.

“They have recruited well and they’ll be a real threat.

“We know it is going to be tough, but if we turn up and do our job we will be okay.

Batley Bulldogs' James BrownBatley Bulldogs' James Brown
Batley Bulldogs' James Brown

“Our main focus is taking care of our own backyard.”

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Batley will be without Alistair Leak (dead leg). Shaun Ainscough (dead leg) and James Davy (ribs) remain on the casualty list.

Diskin said James Brown is set to play on dual-registration for Keighley Cougars in their League One opener at home to North Wales Crusaders tomorrow.