Boss Coyle worried about Hunslet's attitude after shock loss

The League 1 side fell 24-22 at Oxford on Sunday and have now lost three of their last four fixtures.

Their rivals had only won twice previously in the competition yet edged home to a surprise win. Hunslet have now dropped down to sixth and Coyle is worried.

“It was disappointing,” he said. “We obviously didn’t expect to go down there and get beaten by Oxford but we didn’t play well enough to deserve anything else if I’m honest.

“I really have to question where our attitude was from waking up on Sunday morning to getting to the ground as it wasn’t the same team I’d seen the last few months.”

Previously, Hunslet made hard work of beating lowly North Wales Crusaders and Coyle conceded: “Our attitude over the last two weeks has surprised me.

“There had never been a problem in that area and I have always praised how hard-working and what a great attitude this squad has.

“But then, all of a sudden, we’ve churned out two performances like that.

“These displays have been real slack, with no intensity and certainly not the characteristics of what I’m used to from this Hunslet side.”

Hunslet also lost new arrival Niall Walker to a knee injury at Oxford. The utility back, who originally hails from the Stanningley club and has spent the last five years in Australia, had only just signed after a trial period but is now doubtful for Sunday’s home game with Workington Town.

However Jake Normington and Marcus Webb should return at the weekend.