LONDON Skolars have only won four Betfred League One games in 2018 but Cougars head coach Craig Lingard is well aware of the threat they pose after his side were nearly shocked by them in May.

The hosts found themselves 14-6 behind at the break in the reverse fixture at Cougar Park, before a second-half double by Andy Gabriel ensured a nervy 26-18 win.

Lingard was full of praise for Skolars ahead of tomorrow night's clash in the capital, saying: "They're a decent footballing side and they have run plenty of teams close this year.

"They're not to be taken lightly as they have outside backs who are very pacy and we'll also be facing an aggressive pack down there."

It is a long trip to London - Cougars have been regular opponents for Skolars in their traditional clash the night before the Challenge Cup final at Wembley - but they hold fond memories of their last evening game.

Despite off-pitch turmoil, they defeated a strong Oldham Roughyeds side 15-8 on July 13.

Lingard, a big advocate of floodlight fixtures, was keen to highlight the positives of the scheduling.

He said: "It was a winter season then so it was a lot darker but I used to love playing under the floodlights.

"The atmosphere on a Friday night is great and it is completely different to playing games on an afternoon. The build up to the game is also a lot different.

"Personally, I would welcome more games at Cougar Park under the lights next season."

Cougars will be desperate to get back into action after beating Newcastle Thunder 24-16 on August 12 in their last fixture.

Lingard was happy to have a break last week though, admitting: "We needed a rest. We had a lot of broken bodies in the squad and the week off gives us extra leeway to get them back fit.

"I understand the argument about losing momentum but in a long season, the break was welcome."

Although Lingard should be able to field a strong squad against Skolars, he will still be missing a couple of key players, including prolific kicker Benn Hardcastle.

He said: "Benn will be on his honeymoon so he's unavailable and Scott Law is out with a pre-arranged absence. It's not ideal but that's what happens with part-time rugby."

Lingard has virtually conceded that the Cougars will not make the play-offs this year, although it is not mathematically impossible yet.

They sit eighth with 11 wins from 21, six points off the play-offs with five games remaining. Crucially, they have a game in hand on all of their rivals above.