Hamilton’s call to players
Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 15 September 2008
ROUGHYEDS chief executive Chris Hamilton believes it is high time the players at the club showed what they can do under pressure.
The upshot of an uninspiring 32-20 home defeat to Doncaster is that local rivals Rochdale will now visit Boundary Park on Sunday (3pm kick off) for the right to take on the Dons in the National League Two play-off final.
The Hornets will make the short trip buzzing with confidence following a 32-26 win at Keighley.
Oldham’s task is to quickly pick themselves up for the derby clash — as well as cutting out the all-too familiar failings which contributed to yesterday’s defeat.
“We were second-best all afternoon,” said Mr Hamilton.
“We started off quite well without looking particularly threatening, but then, and not for the first time this season, we started to give away silly penalties.
“Before we knew it we were 18-0 down and in semi-finals, very few teams come back from that.
“Doncaster were well organised and well disciplined and got what they deserved.
“Rochdale had another great win yesterday. It will be a similar situation to the other play-off games they have played in, in that again there will be no pressure on them coming here.
“All the pressure will be on us. We understand that and it is time for people to stand up and be counted. It will be a good test of character.
“The season now comes down to one game, as simple as that. It is do or die and we have been here before.
“We know yesterday was a good opportunity, but by virtue of what the lads have done over the season we have earned the right to have a second chance.”
The winners of this week’s final eliminator — which is again all-pay on the gate — will play for the right to gain promotion to NL1 on Sunday, September 28, at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
Rob Roberts was placed on report late on yesterday for an alleged use of the forearm in the tackle.
In a separate incident Doncaster full-back Zeb Luisi left the field on a stretcher suffering from wa neck injury, but he was given the all-clear at the hospital.
