Match report: Oldham 19 Fleetwood RUFC 21

Despite key players missing and with coach Steve Woodburn playing in his alternative position of fly-half, Fleet were quickest out of the traps from the whistle.

To say it was one-way traffic was an understatement and they finally bagged a try through Scott Richardson, converted by Gavin Rowell.

With plenty of space to run and the visitors dominating the set piece, it was no surprise when Fleet scored again, courtesy of Richardson with Rowell converting to build a 14-0 lead at half-time.

Whatever had been said to the Oldham players during the interval had paid dividends as, within 10 minutes, they crossed and were back in the contest at 14-5.

By now the game was becoming a battle in the middle of the park where both sides made useful breaks, only to spill the final pass.

However, it was Oldham who then scored again, making it 14-12 with the conversion.

Instead of sitting back Fleet went straight back on the attack as Karl Bowling broke and fed the eager Brad Stapleton, who galloped half the length of the pitch to score and make it 21-12.

That should have been the end of Oldham but they hit back with a converted try to get within two points.

Despite wave after wave of Oldham attack, Fleet held on to see out the game.