More of the same, please

GIVE HIM A HUG: Oldham players celebrate a Paul O’Connor try against Gateshead Thunder.

Hamilton urges Oldham to maintain momentum 

ROUGHYEDS chief executive Chris Hamilton has urged the team to carry on the recent good work in the tough period that lies ahead.

Yesterday’s stirring 40-16 National League Two success over Gateshead was Oldham’s fifth in succession and the most impressive among that sequence. See Pages 18 and 19 for report and pictures.

A dominant 80-minute display at Sedgley Park saw coach Steve Deakin’s side, lying in third place, close the gap between themselves and Gateshead, now second, to four points. The Roughyeds also have a game in hand.

But with a trip to Workington on Sunday — plus home-and-away matches against fellow promotion-chasers Barrow and Doncaster later on in the season — it is vital that the squad maintains its current level of performance.

“It isn’t all about one game,” said Mr Hamilton.

“If we lose at Workington next week, then the Gateshead win has been wasted.

“We have to be consistent. Workington haven’t had the best of seasons but did beat Doncaster at home, so we have to be ready.

“But it is about us. If we turn up with the right attitude and application then we know we can beat anyone in this division.”

Oldham’s victory also did new NL2 leaders Barrow a massive favour.

Raiders, the only side in the country with a 100-per-cent record, are now two points clear of Gateshead at the top.

The Roughyeds will face the side they beat away from home in last year’s end-of-season play-offs on the evening of Friday, July 11, at Craven Park.

No new injury problems are thought to have arisen from yesterday’s match.

Daryl Cardiss, back in the side after recovering from shoulder surgery, was brought off at half-time due to soreness but was available to get back onto the pitch in the latter stage of the second half.

“Mentally, a massive barrier was crossed by Daryl,” said Deakin.

“He needed to get that game under his belt and will be better for having the run-out.

“It was a good, physical game and will have done his confidence a lot of good.”