NORTH Wales Crusaders have struggled this season in Betfred League One, but their form over the past month will give them confidence going into their biggest test tomorrow, an away match against Bradford Bulls.

Crusaders head into the clash at Odsal having won three of the their last four league games. Big victories over Coventry Bears and Hemel Stags were unsurprising, but a stunning away triumph at Whitehaven made teams sit up and take notice.

Tommy Johnson nailed four kicks in that game, while Steve Roper, Gavin Conroy, Ryan Smith and Kenny Baker all crossed the whitewash. Bradley Walker's drop goal put the gloss on the 25-22 victory.

Johnson continued his form into their last match at Coventry, adding seven kicks to two tries of his own. The full back is a club legend, having scored more points and played more times than anyone in Crusaders history.

He has shown no signs of slowing down this season and has found an able ally in Dale Bloomfield. The pacey winger has scored five tries in seven appearances, including a brace at West Wales Raiders.

Baker gained international experience for Great Britain's under-19 side when they toured South Africa many years ago and has proved an important asset for Crusaders since signing in 2016. The prop has scored five tries this season.

Despite their good form and possessing a collection of talented individuals, Crusaders currently sit fourth-bottom of League One, and they will have to play out of their skins to gain anything from their next two clashes.

Bulls have shown that they belong at a higher level on several occasions this season. They have convincingly beaten teams such as Keighley Cougars and Oldham Roughyeds, who both ran out easy winners in Wales against Crusaders.

Things do not get any easier in their next game either. They host title challengers York City Knights at the Queensway Stadium in Wrexham on June 17.

York have only lost twice in the league this season and achieved a world record when dismantling West Wales 144-0 at the end of April.