Fightback delights Deakin

OLDHAM coach Steve Deakin praised his side’s strength of character after their 40-16 defeat of Workington Town — but was far from happy with the first-half display.

The Roughyeds gave the visitors a 16-point head start before hitting back in devastating fashion to enter the play-off phase in National League Two with a win under their belts. Report on Page 22.

Deakin said: “We were lacking enthusiasm, lacking discipline and concentration for large spells in the first half.

“I did think we finished the half well and I said at the break that all we needed to do was control the football and put a little bit of pressure on them.

“We completed seven out of 17 in the first half, of which three were in the first four sets. So you don’t need to be a genius to work out we were going to be under the pump.

“I also think there were some bizarre decisions. There was a try in the first half which was scored seven metres off the touchline at a tap. I don’t know when that rule came in.

“That said, we have to get ready to play football and we just weren’t ready at 3pm.

“Perhaps people perceived that there wasn’t that much to play for. But that said, if you look at the final scoreline it is one you would have accepted before the game.

“To come back from 16-0 down showed some character and commitment and I thought we also showed some good skills.

“Danny Halliwell took his tries well and I thought Phil Joseph gave us good impetus, carrying the ball well rather than trying to play as a stand-off.

“That said, he came up with a great play in front of the main stand for Halliwell’s fourth try.”