Oldham’s defensive grit propelled them to a crucial 20-8 victory over Sheffield Eagles at Steel City Stadium, securing back-to-back wins and elevating the Roughyeds to second place in the Betfred Championship.

The visitors overcame an early 8-0 deficit through tries from Adam Lawton, Josh Drinkwater, and a late match-winner from Kieran Dixon, who may have broken his arm during the contest. Head coach Sean Long praised his team’s defensive resolve after the match, particularly given their mounting injury concerns.

“To come here and get a win I would have taken that 100 per cent, especially with the injuries we have,” Long said, having lost Elijah Taylor to a head injury during the game. “Our defence is what is keeping us in games at times. We are only conceding 10 points per game and that is what wins you games.”

The Eagles struck first when James Glover intercepted and raced the length of the field, with Cory Aston’s conversion and subsequent penalty giving Sheffield an 8-0 advantage. Lawton’s try before the interval reduced the deficit to 6-8, before Drinkwater’s second-half score and penalty, plus Dixon’s late effort, completed the turnaround.

Long recalled Dixon to the wing and brought Bailey Aldridge in at hooker, while Matty Wildie started at stand-off for the injured Danny Craven. Riley Dean missed out through concussion protocols.

The victory sets up a tantalizing 1895 Cup quarter-final against Barrow at Boundary Park next Sunday, with Oldham just two wins from a historic Wembley appearance. Adult tickets have been reduced to £12 for the occasion.

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