Eaton enjoys view from summit

10:25pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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Keighley 36, Rochdale 35

The Cougars are top of National League Two.

Boss Barry Eaton knows that statement is slightly mis-leading but he isn't complaining after a tense and high-scoring battle with Rochdale Hornets.

"We've only gone top because Doncaster weren't playing and they have a game in hand while Barrow have two," he said.

"But we're there and we're going to enjoy it while it lasts regardless.

"We weren't at our best today but we got the win and showed some character so I'm pleased."

Keighley trailed at the break against a physical Rochdale side before cruising clear in front in the second half.

However, their opponents rallied and got back within a point in the closing stages to make for a nervy finish.

"We started soft, possibly even complacently," admitted Eaton.

"But the weather was scorching and that played a big part, especially as we had three players in the blood bin.

"They now count as replacements so it disrupted our rotations, leaving us with just four for the entire second half.

"In that heat, it didn't help us at all. At one point we had all five halves out on the field with Jermaine Wray and James Feather playing back row while Chris Redfearn and Richard Knight got stitched up.

"It wasn't in our plans and we could have potentially shot ourselves in the foot but we dug in and got the points.

"Rochdale's boss Bobbie Goulding has been saying he wants them in the top three so we've beaten another side who are supposed to be up there challenging."

Full back George Rayner, prop Andy Shickell, wing Sam Gardner, centre Dan Potter, Craig Fawcett and the in-form flier Ryan Smith bagged tries while Danny Jones booted six goals.

Cougars were 19-14 down at the turnaround but some big performances got them home.

Eaton said: "Danny Jones' contribution was crucial especially with his goal-kicking.

"He also created a great try just before the break with a chip over and he went really well.

"Ryan Smith and Dan Potter were outstanding down our right hand side though.

"Their combination is great, they both scored and they always got us out of trouble."

David Cunliffe (2), Ged Corcoran, Chris Spurr, Martin Ainscough and Carl Snyed got Rochdale's tries while Snyed kicked five goals and Chris Hough added a drop kick.

Meanwhile, Eaton hopes to have centre Mick Fogerty back in full training this week while Will Cartledge has had the pot off his broken arm and could return in four weeks.