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Praise for loan stars

Gavin Browne
11/ 8/2008

OLDHAM coach Steve Deakin paid tribute to on-loan James Martin and Michael Brown following the Roughyeds' 34-22 win against Barrow Raiders on Sunday.

The Hudderfield Giants pair made their debuts for Oldham only 48 hours after arriving on loan from the Super League club.

Brown impressed in the centre, touching down during the second half, while Martin made hard yards going forward as the Roughyeds recorded an 18th consecutive home win - the best in the new club's history and for Oldham as a whole since 1990.

Deakin said: "I'd like to pay special praise to those two (Martin and Brown). They came in on deadline day and had a 30-minute training session on Friday night, but both came up with outstanding performances.

"I thought everyone played their part but two young kids came into a must-win situation and came up with very mature performances."

Six tries were enough to hand Oldham victory against their rivals for the second promotion spot in Co-operative National League Two. Victory puts them level with the Cumbrians, although Barrow have the better points difference and a game in hand going into the final fortnight of the regular season.

Paul O'Connor grabbed the limelight with two of Oldham's tries, although Deakin revealed the full-back was not meant to be playing.

He explained: "He was ruled out on Friday night but when we got here, Adam Robinson was ruled out so he had to play - we had no other option.

"Whether we go up automatically or take the play-off route may not be in our hands. All we can do is keep winning games so we give ourselves the opportunity to have a chance."