ROUGHYEDS assistant boss Brendan Sheridan felt too many players were off the pace against Doncaster, writes Kasey Smith.

Oldham, in the first round of the play-offs, were nilled for the first time this year against a Doncaster side which they have now failed to beat on four occasions in 2023.

The writing was on the wall in the first ten minutes with wave after wave of Dons attacks, and Oldham never recovered.

“We spoke all week about our effort areas – getting off the line, working for each other… it was like watching us against Midlands again and they rolled us,” said Sheridan.

“There were too many of our boys off their game and you can’t have that if you’re playing the bottom of the league, nevermind play-offs. If you’re that off, you’re going to get punished.

“It was a big occasion and we didn’t grab it, Doncaster were clinical in all areas and beat us to everything.

“Our guys had effort, they always do, but with that there needs to be a desire to apply it in areas and we just didn’t show that today.”

One plus point for Roughyeds was Jamie Ellis made his debut for the club, after finally overcoming a hamstring injury that has plagued him since he signed in July.

While unable to influence the result when he came on off the bench, he had a solid game and also kicked a 40/20.

“The thing for Jamie is the mental side, he’s been around the game a long time and is a very experienced, skillful and good player,” explained Sheridan.

“Both me and Mike (Ford) were very pleased he got on the field and stayed on it – that game will have done him the world of good so for us that’s a bonus and a positive.

“Hopefully he recovers well because he’s had a long lay-off and he’s the guy and Ridy (Martyn Ridyard) that we will be leaning on this week to get the boys in the best possible place to face Crusaders.”

Despite defeat, Roughyeds remain in the play-offs and now face North Wales Crusaders on Sunday at Boundary Park.

“It’s been a tough year but we’re not out of it yet. We have another bite at the cherry this Sunday and we’ll get the boys in the best shape to go into battle,” he added.