A LAST gasp try from Kian Morgan stole the two points for Oldham as they defeated rivals Rochdale Hornets 24-20 at the Crown Oil Arena, writes Kasey Smith.

Hornets had been in front since Cian Tyrer’s try just before half-time and had dealt with everything that Oldham threw at them to stay in front, right until the last few moments.

It was a wounded Roughyeds side in the final stages after George Hirst had to go off for a head injury assessment, and later Gregg McNally was forced off through injury, also.

There was some off-the-cuff re-jigging as Martyn Ridyard filled in at full-back all while Oldham were trying to find the winner.

In the score that won them the game, Roughyeds were passing the ball about left and right looking for an opening.

Ridyard took control of the play and, as he did, gaps opened up as Kian Morgan spotted a gap and forced the ball over the goal-line.

It was elation for Oldham – who have been on the receiving end of several late comebacks this season – and dejection for play-off chasing Rochdale.

The performance fell short of what we have come to expect from Oldham, with Rochdale proving to be more than a match.

Roughyeds knew they wouldn’t have it their own way right from get go when Hornets scored early on after full-back Ben O’Keefe evaded several Oldham tacklers and ran forty or so metres with Lewis Else the beneficiary through a barge-over.

Rochdale were given chances thanks to Oldham’s indiscipline, but Roughyeds fought their way back in when Ridyard, in the centre of the field, lofted an inch-perfect pass out wide to Rawsthorne who powered over to level the scores.

Oldham could have had another after a George Hirst break-away but teammate Joe Hartley was held up before the line by Hewitt who was sin-binned for holding on in the tackle.

Hornets – with twelve men – dug deep but, after ten minutes of Oldham pressure, they buckled when Rawsthorne was in space to put Roughyeds in front.

But they weren’t in front for long after Aaron Smith darted through a weak Oldham defence and offloaded to Cian Tyrer for a try under the sticks just before half-time.

After the break, Oldham started sloppily again and Tommy Brierley – who Oldham released in July – scored in the corner to extend Hornets’ lead.

Roughyeds fought back and their response came from Wilkinson who was the first responder as he grounded Ridyard’s deft kick under the posts.

They couldn’t capitalise, though, and soon Brierley was in again after some good trickery by O’Keefe.

Out of nowhere, Gregg McNally hammered over a 40/20 and direct from the scrum Rawsthorne got his hat-trick.

Ridyard could not convert, meaning Rochdale were clinging on to a two-point lead.

As the clock ticked by there were chances for both sides but, in the dying moments, Oldham found something out of nowhere and Kian Morgan – who had gone close on a few occasions – finally found his way over the try-line.

With victory, Roughyeds proved they are capable of overcoming adversity – but now it is straight back to work as they look to give themselves the best shot of finishing third.

Scorers: Oldham: goals, Ridyard 2/5; tries, Rawsthorne x3, Wilkinson, Morgan

Rochdale: goals, Hewitt 2/4; tries, Else, Tyrer, Brierley x2

OLDHAM: McNally; Rawsthorne, Carr, Morgan, Hartley; Ridyard, Tyrer; Johnson, Wilkinson, Nelmes, Hirst, Cameron, Whittel. Subs: Slater, Moran, Meadows, Newton (all used). 18th Man: Blagbrough.

ROCHDALE: O’Keefe; Nixon, Brierley, Brewin, Tyrer; Else, Hewitt; Arnold, Roden, Killan, Ratcliffe, Forster, Straugheir. Subs: Smith, Boardman, Brannan, Huish (all used). 18th Man: Jones

Referee: Bradley Milligan; HT: 10-8; Pens: 4-4; Att: 1386