CARL FORSTER believes last year’s end of season run may help North Wales Crusaders in their quest to book a spot in the League One play-offs.

Back in 2023, Crusaders were stunned 40-38 at home to Cornwall, but this sparked a terrific run of form that culminated in the North Wales side reaching the League One play-offs grand final, where they eventually lost out to home club Doncaster.

Remembering last season’s run, head coach Forster told CruCast: “Muscle memory might kick in.

“I hope it does, but I do believe we have very, very valid reasons for some of the defeats that we’ve had this season.

“Some in our hands, some not. I think you can’t always moan about external factors.

“We could have played better, certainly, in a lot of the games, but I know if we switch on, we can win games that people might think we won’t be able to and that’s my job as a coach to make sure we do and the players’ job as players to also make sure they get the wins.”

With five matches left this season, Crusaders currently sit just outside the play-off spots in seventh.

They trail sixth-placed Workington Town by two points following Sunday’s 46-16 loss at home to Hunslet, who occupy third position.

Two first half tries from Rob Massam kept Crusaders in touch at Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm CSM, however a strong second half showing ensured Hunslet powered their way through to a 10th triumph of the campaign.

There’s still plenty to play for this season, though, with Midlands Hurricanes, Workington and Crusaders all battling to occupy the final two play-off positions.

A major issue for North Wales this season has been injuries.

Forster told the club’s website: “It would probably be easier to sit here and name who’s not injured than is at the moment.

“That being said, it’s sport, we’ve been dealt a tough hand but we go out there and every player who pulls on the Crusaders shirt fights for this club and to do our amazing supporters proud.

“I’ve got lads out of position, players coming in who haven’t even trained yet and have put their hands up to take to the field and do a job for us.

“When it comes down to it, that spirit and character is exactly what you want in a dressing room, that’s the Crusaders way.

“The injuries are an issue, but they’re never an excuse.”

Crusaders can now look forward to a break this weekend, prior to a busy run to bring the curtain down on the season.

Three of the remaining matches are away from home, against Workington Town (August 4), Hunslet (August 18) and Rochdale Hornets (August 25).

Crusaders will host second-placed Keighley Cougars at Chester on August 11, while the final game of the regular season will be at home to Cornwall on Sunday, September 1.