The chance to rest key players will have done Workington Town the world of good ahead of the final five games of the regular season.

Les Ashe, director of rugby at Town, believes several players missing Sunday’s 40-16 win against Coventry ahead of the run-in could be useful for Leon Pryce’s side.

Star performer Sean Penkywicz did not start, Stevie Scholey was rested after taking a knock the previous week and Elliott Miller was brought off early with Pryce keeping one eye on the crucial coming weeks.

“First and foremost it was two points and Leon did make a few changes through the game and rested a few players which I guess is a luxury at this time of year,” Ashe said.

“We’ve still got a few lads to come back from injuries.

“To remain in the play-off positions isn’t going to be easy.

“It’s about holding your nerve and turning up with the right mindset.”

The rest of the regular season will see Town face three of the top five so Ashe believes play-off qualification is far from secured and is expecting the team to scrap until the end to make sure they are in the mix.

He said: “They’ll certainly be among the toughest games in the most competitive league I can remember over the last 15 seasons or so.

“Bradford have only lost two games this year and they’ve strengthened since we played them but there’s no reason we can’t go there full of confidence and desire and give them a game.

“We’ve got five tough games left and Leon, his staff and his players will plan for every game as it comes.

“It’s all about your attitude on the day.”