Roughyeds count the cost of defeat

OLDHAM will this week bid to recover from the physical and mental damage inflicted once again by defeat at Keighley.

Coach Tony Benson was hampered by a number of injuries on the day. Tommy Goulden pulled up with a hamstring problem in the pre-match warm-up, Robert Roberts suffered rib cartilage damage in the early stages, Jamie I’Anson hurt his shoulder in the first half and Chris Baines played through the pain of a hyper-extended elbow.

All those players will be assessed at training over the next few days and, depending on the damage, Benson could be forced to make a number of changes to the side for the home Co-operative Championship One encounter at home to Workington Town on Sunday (3pm kick off).

One man who definitely won’t be involved in that game is Simeon Hoyle. The former Halifax hooker is currently unable to train due to heavy work commitments, though on the plus side it shouldn’t be long before fellow number nine Stevie Gibbons pulls on a Roughyeds jersey once again.

The bonus point picked up by Oldham in yesterday’s 34-26 loss to Keighley at least keeps Oldham a point clear at the top of the embryonic league table. Report, reaction and pictures on Page 22.

Cougars coach Barry Eaton isn’t talking up his side’s chances too much but was clearly buoyed by the victory over the joint title favourites.

“Oldham are a decent side and have been for the past couple of seasons when they have been favourites or second favourites to go up to the division above only to miss out,” Eaton said.

“They are well-fancied again this year along with Dewsbury so it is certainly a good scalp for us — but we are a decent side as well.”