Benson’s praise for fans

TONY Benson echoed his chairman’s sentiments in praising the impact of the fans in the memorable win over Blackpool.

The Roughyeds coach felt the home supporters in the crowd of 923 — a bigger attendance than in all but one of the weekend’s Northern Rail Cup quarter-finals — acted as an 18th man to spur his side on to a victory which takes the team to the summit of Co-operative Championship One.

“The fans definitely played a part in our winning performance,” Benson said. “The atmosphere was phenomenal because the crowd was so close to the pitch. It was invigorating for the Oldham players and intimidating for the opposition.”

Paul O’Connor scored a skilful and typically opportunistic try to stave off a Panthers comeback in the second half.

And the full-back added: “We will keep coming up with performances like that if fans continue to give us that level of vocal support. It was fantastic.”

A double-header at Whitebank this weekend sees the reserves entertain Sheffield Eagles on Saturday (3pm kick-off), with Benson’s boys bidding to hold on to top spot when they take on Doncaster on Sunday.