We'll learn from Doncaster defeat - Littler

Oldham had been leading 18-0 mid-way through the first half, before a Doncaster fightback saw them progress to the next round

There are “lessons to learn” from Sunday’s 28-26 defeat to Doncaster in the Challenge Cup second round, says Roughyeds boss Stuart Littler.

Oldham were leading 18-0 mid-way through the first half, before a Doncaster fightback saw them progress to the next round.

The double play-off finalists only took the lead with five minutes to go after struggling against an Oldham side who had drafted in three Wigan lads in Harvey Makin, Alex Sutton and Kieran Tyrer - who all impressed - due to key players being injured and unavailable.

Dons were able to capitalise on Oldham’s misfortune when Ethan Ferry went off with a knee injury forcing Stuart Littler to rejig his men.

“There were a few changes in there when Ethan Ferry picked up a bit of a knock, and we had to change some bodies and tried to fix it up on the move, but they identified something there so we’ll need to review that this week and have some honest conversations,” said Littler.

“On the back of that, though, there were some very good performances.

"I thought Harvey Makin was outstanding on his professional debut, and all the three lads who have come in from Wigan on dual-registration did the job today and stood up in there.

“Pat Ah Van and Deane Meadows have done 80 minutes, as well, so there’s been some massive efforts and Doncaster are a good side, but it’s frustrating to lose a tight game and be on the wrong side.”

“When we played as we wanted to play, I thought we opened them up and showed some smart decision-making.”

Littler also praised the 100 or so Oldham fans who made the journey over to South Yorkshire.

He added: “I’d like to pay thanks to our travelling support; I thought they were loud and awesome.

“It’s not a short journey to come over to Doncaster but it’s much appreciated by myself, the staff and all the playing group, so stick with us and hopefully we will have better times to come.”

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