JOHN Kear believes Workington’s experience proved vital in their shock 24-18 win over his side, admitting that the visitors “old-manned” a young Bulls line-up.

Leon Pryce’s first trip back to Odsal as a coach saw Town complete the double over Bradford, who now trail York by two points in the League One title race.

Kear reckoned Workington’s know-how proved crucial in a fractious encounter, while he questioned some of referee John McMullen’s calls.

The Bulls coach said: “The best team won, and having a few old heads played its part for Workington. They were experienced and we hardly touched it after we went 18-12 ahead.

“But Brandon Pickersgill broke through late on and he was held down by their winger (Tylar) Mellor. That should have been 10 minutes in the sin-bin.

“I’m still mystified about George Flanagan’s sin-bin too, given that he was on the receiving end of a tip-tackle from Sean Penkywicz, who wasn’t yellow-carded despite being the perpetrator.

“My job isn’t to analyse the referee though, it’s to look at Bradford Bulls and we’ll need to see how the players are when they come in for recovery today.”

Kear felt the game that panned out did not suit his vibrant side, saying: “It was very stop-start with lots of penalties. We want up tempo, quick games and that was not.”

The game turned on a bizarre incident when a Workington grubber kick struck the referee, giving the visitors a fresh set, which they scored from to make it 18-18.

Kear understood the Bradford fans' frustration but admitted McMullen had no choice but to give the decision to Leon Pryce's side.

He encouraged everyone to move on, but also not to worry too much about the end of the league season. A play-off spot looks likeliest now, after York went top by beating Hunslet 48-6.

He said: "We've been working towards promotion all year but there's still four games left to play and Oldham away will be particularly difficult. We're not thinking about the play-offs yet."