Roughyeds battle past Barrow to book Challenge Cup fourth round spot

Battling Oldham progressed to the fourth round of the Challenge Cup as they edged past Barrow Raiders thanks to a strong second-half showing.

There was not much to separate the two sides in what was a scrappy and stop-start first half, with 12 penalties conceded.

It was a sloppy start by Oldham and two back to back penalties allowed Ryan Shaw a kick at goal to make the score 2-0.

Oldham could have been in front on eight minutes had Jordan Turner, who broke the line, opted to pass to his right, rather than left when Jack Johnson was tackled.

More Roughyeds indisicpline followed and Barrow, in good territory, put a high hanging kick towards the posts which was pounced on by James Greenwood to score after Oldham failed to deal with the danger.

Ben O’Keefe responded shortly after when he pounced on a deft Jamie Ellis grubber to the line.

Barrow then kicked another goal, after being awarded another penalty due to an illegal ball steal.

But that was as good as it got as Oldham cut out the errors in the second 40 to get the better of a physically tired and wounded Barrow Raiders side.

Oldham’s middles were making more metres and an incorrect Barrow play-the-ball - which caught Oldham out eight times last week - was enough of an invite for Sean Long’s men.

Facing the Barrow goal-line and from dummy half, Matty Wildie pounced to catch the markers off guard as he dived for a try under the posts.

The momentum was with Oldham and, after forcing a goal-line drop-out, Adam Lawton bulldozed his way over McMillan to power his way over the line.

Barrow fought back and should have been in after Tom Wilkinson broke the line, but Johnston didn’t read the pass and Oldham scrambled the ball back.

But, before Barrow could make the final ten minutes awkward for Oldham, an Adam Lawton ball steal swung the pendulum back in Roughyeds’ favour.

O’Keefe was alert as he plucked a desolate and wild Barrow pass out of the air to run 30 metres to score under the posts and secure the win for Oldham.

The game ended in ugly fashion with O’Keefe - who had blood gushing from his face - and Johnston sent off after the hooter had gone after a fracas.

It was another important and impressive victory for Oldham who had to battle hard against a strong Barrow side on a bobbly surface.

Oldham now travel to the winners of the Swinton versus West Hull tie.

OLDHAM: Astley; Agoro, O’Keefe, Turner, Johnson; Craven, Ellis; Kopczak, Wildie, Chapelhow, Lawton, Wardle, Taylor. Subs: Aldridge, Moran, T.Chapelhow, Farnworth (all used). 18th Man: Paga

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.