PAUL March believes the Cougars are gaining momentum as they head into tomorrow's opening game of the season against East Leeds in the League One Cup.

After opening their pre-season campaign with three straight defeats, March's men have begun to find their form and go into this weekend's match on the back of victories over the University of Gloucestershire All Golds and Newcastle Thunder.

Those wins have provided Keighley with a timely tonic as the serious business now gets underway, with March setting his sights on two key aims for the season.

While promotion is the overriding objective, player-coach March is also keen to win the newly-formed League One Cup, with the final scheduled for Blackpool's Bloomfield Road during the Championship clubs' 'Summer Bash' weekend in the seaside resort in May.

March, who has lost Ross Peltier for 12 weeks after the prop ruptured a ligament in his thumb against the All Golds, says consistency is vital.

"We just need to make sure that we are consistent every week because that's the most important thing," he said.

"That's what we have been trying to do in pre-season, even though we have been changing players around.

"We've had two wins in a row now and the momentum is on a roll, which is pleasing going into the East Leeds game this weekend.

"I'm happy with the way things are going and we just need to get that continuity and make sure that the same team is playing week in and week out now."

March will not take tomorrow's National Conference Premier Division visitors for granted as the Cougars look to ensure a safe passage into the next round.

"I know a lot of players who played for them who were also playing for the reserves at Hunslet when I was there," he said.

"They're going to be a threat, so we've got to respect them but at the same time concentrate on what we do.

"That means being professional in our defence and attack and in our general approach to the game, which I'm sure it will be.

"When we get our opportunities we've got to make sure we take them. Hopefully the fact we've played competitive games for a number of weeks in pre-season now will pay off."

Former Huddersfield Giants academy player Peltier has undergone an operation and March admits his loss is a big blow.

But he is not seeking a replacement as he is happy with his current roster of forwards, with players such as Brendon Rawlins, Ash Lindsay, Jode Sheriffe, Neil Cherryholme and Matt Bailey.

"Ross was going to be a massive impact player for us and he was getting himself into good shape," said March.

"But you look at our middle units and we've got Rawlo, Ash, Jode Sheriffe, Cherryholme and Bailey.

"I thought they were all outstanding at the weekend against Newcastle and Olly Pursglove was exceptional, he was easily the man of the match, and to play 80 minutes in those conditions was excellent.

"But we're not going to panic by going out to get another front-rower because we have options here already. We've still got Ryan Patchett, who didn't play on Sunday, who can come in."

The Cougars face a trip to Cumbria to face League One rivals Barrow Raiders in the Challenge Cup next weekend and March is expecting another stern test.

He said: "It's a cup competition and you play whoever you get drawn against. We'll know a lot about each other having played them in our opening pre-season friendly up there last month.

"We also played Barrow four times last year and we always enjoy a trip up there. I'm happy with the draw because it will be competitive against another decent side – but the focus is on East Leeds first and foremost."