JOHN Kear cited off-field controversy and a tough schedule as contributing factors in the Bulls’ first defeat of the season.

They led 16-10 late on at Workington Town yesterday before slipping to a 17-16 setback in League One to hand former Bradford player Leon Pryce a notable scalp in his initial season as a coach.

A social media storm erupted the day before over the hosts' refusal to let BullsLive stream the match and Kear confessed: “Workington were very hungry and the controversy off the field really fired them up.”

Bulls have also played four matches in 15 days whereas Workington have played a game less.

Kear’s team led via tries by Ross Peltier and Jake Butler-Fleming and four goals by Joe Keyes against a try by Caine Barnes and three Jordan Tansey goals.

However, Elliott Miller scored a try after 75 minutes that was converted by Tansey, who then won it for Town with a drop goal three minutes later.

Kear added: “I am pig sick, ticked off, disappointed.

“It was a disappointing result, but I congratulate Workington Town.

“They have ambushed us and they have taken advantage of our schedule.

“We were very flat, we lacked enthusiasm and were second best in getting to the ball with our kick-chase – all of the little measures that show we are at the races, and we weren’t.

“If you are not on point against a quality team then you get beaten.

“We had plenty of opportunities and we looked comfortable at 16-10 and they were lacking energy and all that was needed was a bit of composure but we came up with basic errors, we gave penalties away and we had a couple of drop-goal set-ups that weren’t good enough. They were flying out of the defensive line when we were trying to win the game.

“They had one opportunity, and I think that he could have taken the laces out of the ball and kicked it as we were lethargic.”