Workington Town will have to be wary of a backlash from a wounded Hunslet after they parted company with coach James Coyle this week.

Former Whitehaven boss Coyle was sacked by Hunslet following their disappointing 24-22 defeat at the hands of Oxford last weekend.

And Town head to the Yorkshire outfit for a crunch League 1 tie on Sunday.

“Hunslet RLFC can announce that head coach James Coyle has left the club with immediate effect,” a statement read from the club.

“The club will make a statement in due course once a decision regarding a future appointment has been made.”

Coyle has only been in charge at Hunslet for eight months after he was sacked by Haven last season.

Hunslet are currently sixth in League 1, just one place behind Workington and Town know they will still be in for a stiff test on Sunday, despite the turmoil this week.

"It's never nice to see anyone part company with their employer but that's the nature of sport nowadays," said Town associate director Gary McKeating.

"Even though we don't yet know who will take charge of Hunslet on Sunday at this time, we know it is always a difficult place to go.

"But we will be preparing to go there and get the win as we do for every match.

"I'm sure the Hunslet players are hurting after last weekend's defeat against Oxford and we have to be wary of a backlash from that."

Coyle's departure is the second in League 1 this season, coming just six days after Doncaster parted company with Gary Thornton.

Town will be hoping that prop Phil Joseph will play his part in the Hunslet game after returning from injury.

The Welsh international underwent a knee clearout operation last month but has now returned to training and will hopefully be ready to take to the field at the weekend.