FIVE straight wins have fired Batley into third in the Championship and encouraged hopes of a place in the end-of-season Qualifiers.

It would mark a stunning achievement for John Kear’s men.

Clashes against Super League opposition, with potential battles against the likes of neighbours Huddersfield and Leeds, are the prize beckoning the Bulldogs.

Kear is one of the finest coaches in the game and his record speaks for itself.

He famously guided Sheffield and Hull to Challenge Cup glory and saved Wakefield from relegation against all the odds in 2006.

Kear will return to Belle Vue next season and Bulls assistant coach Matt Diskin will take the reins at Mount Pleasant.

Former England boss Kear is noted for his motivational skills and there is no doubt he will have his men fired up for tomorrow’s game.

In three league meetings during the past two seasons, Batley have yet to beat Bradford.

But they have certainly ran them close and held them to a draw earlier this season.

Kear attended the Bulls’ win at Oldham on Wednesday and knows only too well what they are capable of.

Even if Batley lose tomorrow, though, they still have another five games left to secure a top-four finish.

Kear said: “We have six big games, which are all equally important, the first of them coming at Bradford.

“We are looking for a big end to the season and we are really looking forward to it.

“I have to compliment the players, who have taken greater ownership for their preparation and performance, more than I’ve ever seen during my time at Batley and that is why you are seeing the results.

“I have 23 fit players and Bradford have 36, so they will have a fresh team on duty on Sunday.

“We will be preparing to face an energised and enthusiastic Bradford side but we will be the same.

“We haven’t set any outcome goals, instead we are setting progress goals and the win at Sheffield was another box ticked.”