Roughyeds 36 - 16 Doncaster: Deakin joy at week of landmarks

STEVE Deakin admitted the 36-16 win over Doncaster had provided a fitting end to a terrific week.

Having picked up a vital win in the televised clash, the Roughyeds coach revealed that he had jetted out to Madrid during the build-up to the game, in order to be present when one of his sons was admitted into the Roman Catholic priesthood.

Deakin, who only landed back in the country on the morning of the Boundary Park clash, had also been presented with a grandchild by another son only days earlier.

"If I sound and look a little grumpy it's nothing to do with the game," said Deakin afterwards.

"The truth is I've not had much sleep in the past 48 hours and I'm a bit weary.

"It has been a huge few days for the family, and now the lads have put the icing on the cake with a performance that was full of grit and courage in the face of adversity."

With nobody taking anything for granted in National League Two, it is conceivable that come Monday, Oldham could be within two points of Barrow at the summit.

That is, if the division’s leaders stumble for a third time in four weeks on the road.

Raiders are at Spotland to face Rochdale, while second-placed Gateshead have the long journey to London Skolars to contend with. Tony Benson's side will be chock full of confidence ahead of the Thunder clash, having hammered Hunslet 50-16 on Monday evening to climb off the foot of the table.

But to maintain the charge at the top, it is vital that the Roughyeds overcome what is likely to be a very strong challenge from Keighley — one of only three sides to have beaten Deakin's side in the league in 2008.