GARY Moorby is expecting a tough away day as he prepares his troops for their cup date in Cumbria.

The Cougar Park side meet ex-Keighley coach Peter Roe and his Barrow Raiders team in the quarter final qualifiers of the Arriva Trains Cup this Sunday.

And progress in the cup competition could well prove a fillip for Keighley after slipping to a second defeat in two National One games at home to Batley Bulldogs on Sunday.

The Batley game -- Keighley's first home league match of the season -- turned into another frustrating afternoon as the Cougars went down 39-22.

And although Moorby remains hopeful of a better performance against National Two side Barrow, an ever-growing injury list is hampering preparations for the Arriva Trains Cup tie.

The Cougars boss has injury doubts and fitness worries over

five players heading into the weekend's match -- with the prize of a place in the last eight of the competition for the winners.

He said: "The casualty list is growing. Richard Mervill (ankle), James Rushforth (groin), Lee Patterson (groin) Danny Ekis (dead leg) and Chris Beever (calf strain) are all very doubtful for the trip to Barrow.

"We are not looking for excuses beforehand, but injuries could play a big part in the result."

Meanwhile, the trip to Barrow should provide an interesting day to say the least for the assorted members of the Roe family.

As well as Barrow boss Peter Roe being a former Cougars coach, a look at Keighley's squad for the trip shows another Roe on the teamsheet.

Ex-Swinton forward Chris Roe -- now with Keighley -- is the son of Peter, and is likely to be in the squad to face his father's side in Cumbria.

"It makes it interesting," added Moorby. "Chris came off the bench against Batley and looked okay.

"He's only 19 -- but he's looking alright.

"I'm sure Peter being an ex Keighley coach will want to turn us over though.

"You always expect a tough game in Cumbria, but saying that, we are the National One side -- and we are confident we can go up there and get a result".

Moorby knows Keighley will have to cut out the errors that blighted the Batley game though for his side to progress.

He said: "Batley were a well drilled side that took their opportunities very well.

"We competed well with them in stages but let ourselves down with some woeful tackling and poor decision making.

"We had several opportunities to put them under real pressure but took the wrong option.

"We have stepped up a level and we must learn to take what's on offer as they did.

"The three tries we scored were very well executed and well taken which again proves we can score points in this division.

"I am confident that we can compete at this level, but I am under no illusion that it is going to be tough.

"We have come a long way in two seasons and that was achieved through hard work, so we know what's expected.

"We will learn as we go."