BARROW Raiders Head Coach Paul Crarey has admitted his side were second best in their defeat to Oldham RLFC.

The Raiders lost 10-22 at the Northern Competitors Stadium on Saturday in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

Ryan Shaw's penalty conversion and James Greenwood's opening try fired Barrow into the lead inside 15 minutes.

But with a commanding 10-4 lead at half-time, Oldham levelled the scoreline in the 51st minute through Matty Wildie, who dived over from close range.

Having lost Greenwood and Charlie Emslie either side of the half, injuries eventually took their toll on Crarey's depleted Raiders side as Adam Lawton crashed over shortly after the hour mark to put the visitors 10-16 up.

Ben O’Keefe then compounded to Barrow’s misery in the 73rd minute by intercepting a loose pass before racing over to put the game out of sight.

Speaking to the club website after the match, Crarey conceded: “I think the best team won in terms of composure, so credit to Sean Long and his troops.

“They had a mountain of possession, and we didn’t warrant any field position. I thought we were really measured in the first half and were deserving of our lead but then we lost a few players to injury.

“In the second half we gave them a run for what we had out, but it would have been really tough to win this game with a full complement of players.

“The break now will be a welcome rest. I want my players to be ready for the start of the league season.”