A 35-28 victory at Rochdale ended a seven-match losing run for a Hunslet side which has been a work in progress for coach Graeme Hallas since his appointment at the end of last year.

The former Halifax and Hull KR centre had just three players at training for his first session in November and though there has been a steady influx of talent, the Hawks have inevitably struggled for cohesion.

"The boys have been great through what has been a difficult period for everyone," said Hallas.

Although Gateshead have beaten Hunslet three times this season, Hallas added: "We haven't been far off in the last few weeks so the win was something I knew was coming. It's done our confidence the power of good and if we keep doing the things we've been doing we shouldn't have too many problems this weekend."

"There's a real fighting spirit among the lads and while we are nowhere near the finished product, we're getting more competitive every week and I'm pleased with the direction we're heading."

Rochdale's defeat has instilled a sense of caution in the Hornet's opponents, Keighley, who will climb above Doncaster to the top if they win at Cougar Park tomorrow.

"We're expecting a backlash from Rochdale so we are going to have to be on our toes," said Keighley coach Barry Eaton, who was delighted by his side's performance in a 58-12 defeat of London Skolars.

"It was good to see us respond so well after our first defeat of the season at Doncaster the week before," said Eaton. "We scored some terrific team tries and are playing some great rugby. It would be nice if the town really started getting behind us."

Eaton makes one change with Sam Gardner returning from a hamstring injury in place of Gavin Duffy, who faces eight weeks on the sidelines after breaking his left leg last week.

York City Knights are without Danny Grimshaw and David March at Swinton where Mark Applegarth is set to return.