Cartledge injury is blow for Keighley

10:44pm Sunday 16th March 2008

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Keighley Cougars 26, Workington Town 22

Coach Barry Eaton made a try-scoring return to the Cougars side as they secured a dramatic last-ditch win over Workington today.

Replacement Wayne Sutcliffe, playing his first game of the season after a knee injury, popped up with two minutes to go to give Keighley victory in their final Northern Rail Cup game.

Eaton, 34, picked himseAlf for the first time this year and he got over in the first half but there was bad news as well with Will Cartledge breaking an arm early on.

The former Batley second-rower will have an operation to insert a plate in the fracture tomorrow and faces being out of action for around three months.

Keighley open their National League Two account at Hunslet on Good Friday and Eaton admitted: "We're all gutted for Will.

"Along with Andy Shickell, he's probably been our best player so far and it's a real blow for him and the team.

"It happened in just the second minute but he's shown the right attitude and we wish him all the best."

Eaton was disappointed with his side's performance, despite completing a double over the Cumbrians.

He said: "It was an okay win but we made it hard for ourselves.

"We felt we should have won comfortably as we certainly created 12 or 13 really good try-scoring chances but we probably weren't clinical enough and had to win it in the last minute.

"Also, on the other side of the coin, we were too soft defensively again and if we're serious about achieving things this year we have to improve on that. We have to put that right."

The hosts trailed 16-10 at the break despite tries from Eaton and winger Sam Gardner, Richard Knight adding one conversion.

Workington had struck though Dexter Miller, Carl Forber and Ryan Campbell, Forber improving twice, to get in sight of their first win of the competition.

Former Widnes centre Dan Potter notched a debut try on 49 minutes to get the hosts back in touch, only for Mark Routledge's effort to respond for Workington.

But Cougars full back George Rayner crossed just before the hour mark and Knight converted to bring them within two points, creating a frantic finish.

Sutcliffe was the man who did the business, marking his return in style with that last-gasp effort, Knight improving for good measure.

"It was a good boost for Wayne after his injury," said Eaton.

"He's missed all of pre-season so he's got a bit of work to do on his fitness but that will have helped."

Eaton explained why he selected himself when it was largely thought his playing days were over.

"Danny Jones has been doing really well but he's injured and Craig Fawcett and Andrew Mitchell have both had chances to take the No 7 role recently without really taking it," he said.

"I didn't make the decision lightly and it was my assistant Glenn (Barraclough) who was of the opinion it might be better if I came back in.

"We felt we needed some more direction, organisation and vocalness and I certainly feel I justified my inclusion.

"I said all along if I needed to be out there I would. I think that was the case."