Delighted Naylor thinks BIG

OLDHAM’S Dave Cookson is held as he tries to break through. PICTURE: John Millard.

SCOTT Naylor was deep in thought for a few moments before starting his post-match summary.

“This is a big one — a REAL big one,” he said of Oldham’s 32-14 win on Tyneside.

Roughyeds had taken 20 minutes to settle then came from 14-6 down to rack up 26 points without reply.

Naylor’s men dominated the second half to inflict serious damage on Gateshead’s intent to qualify for the play-offs and win promotion.

Crucially, Josh Crowley scored just before half time to cut Thunder’s interval lead to 14-12; then early in the second half Mo Agoro struck twice in five minutes.

Naylor said: “I’m delighted with this performance because in the past few weeks Gateshead have recruited quality players.

“They came into this game with four wins from their last six outings, having been beaten in that period by only the top two teams in the division, Hunslet and York.

“We had to play superbly well to win, in a highly competitive game which proved once again that in this division this year you’ve got to be on your game every time you go out to play. There are no easy games. Every team in the division poses a threat.

“A few things went against us early on — of our own doing, I have to say — but we kept our heads, we didn’t panic and we maintained our standards right through to the end of the game.