Now Eaton wants to see consistency

5:53pm Sunday 23rd March 2008

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Expectant Cougars boss Barry Eaton sends his side out against Swinton tomorrow night with the clear instruction: Do it all again.

Keighley got their season off to a cracking start courtesy of a 26-0 destruction of Hunslet Hawks on Good Friday.

The manner of the victory bodes well for the year ahead but Eaton is keen for his side to quickly show they can be a consistent force in 2008.

They couldn't muster back-to-back wins once last season but seeing off Swinton tomorrow evening (7.30) will show they are for real in National League Two.

"We've started with a great away win and now we're hoping to back that up on our own turf with a home victory," he said. "That would be an excellent start for us.

"We know it's going to be tough and it is a little bit of a lottery over Easter - it's hard to back up Friday then Monday - but that's what we're asking.

"We've definitely got two players out injured and two fixtures so quickly tests the quality of your squad.

"Whoever comes in has to step up and perform like the guys did at Hunslet but another win is the aim."

Paul Kidd's Swinton side have Richie Hawkyard at stand-off, the plasterer who hit the headlines when he leapt up from part-time Academy player to feature for the Bulls against Huddersfield Giants in Super League last year.

They also have the experience and guile of former Halifax loose forward Martin Moana to call upon but they were made to work hard for victory over last season's wooden spoonists Blackpool in their opener on Good Friday, eventually winning 44-30.

However, Eaton doesn't see that as a sign of weakness. "Blackpool look like they have made massive improvements this year," he said.

"They didn't win a Northern Rail Cup game but had some real close matches against Leigh, Widnes and Barrow. That was a real tough group.

"It looks like Blackpool ran Swinton real close as well, although for Swinton to score 44 points shows what they are capable of offensively.

"We must concentrate on what we do and defend as well as we did against Hunslet."

Eaton is set to be without Chris Redfearn (knee) and stand-off Jon Presley (shoulder), while the scrum half is a doubt himself due to a buttock injury.

That could mean a new half-back pairing but former Halifax half-back Danny Jones is hopeful of returning after missing the last month with a groin problem and Craig Fawcett and Adam Mitchell are also on hand if needed.