Blackpool Panthers 16, Keighley Cougars 14

Lacklustre Cougars failed to deliver a repeat display as they went down at Blackpool Panthers.

Barry Eaton’s men had really impressed in defeating higher division Gateshead Thunder in their Northern Rail Cup opener on Tuesday night.

He challenged them to double up yesterday and edge closer to qualification by putting Blackpool to the sword but they fell badly after a disappointing performance.

Keighley struggled to maintain the same intensity against their Championship One rivals and Eaton admits they may have been complacent after those midweek heroics.

“There was only one change to the team that beat Gateshead but we certainly didn’t play like the same team,” he said.

“Our respect for the ball was poor, our discipline was poor – we conceded 12 penalties – and we just gave ourselves too much defending to do.

“I’m not embarrassed to have lost to Blackpool as they are a good side but I’m disappointed with the manner of the defeat.”

Prop Craig Brown was unavailable so Neil Lowe moved up to front row and former York winger Lee Mapals came onto the bench.

Scotland World Cup star Lowe was among the try-scorers with prop Simon Bissell and Ryan Smith also crossing.

But with just one kick added by Danny Jones, Keighley narrowly missed out to the Panthers who had trailed 6-0 at the break.

Mark McCulley (2) and Keiron Tucker got their touchdowns in the second half though and John Leather added two conversions.

“We looked a little jaded but that was all the more reason to control the ball better,” Eaton added.

“We didn’t and ran at around 50 per cent in the first half and 54 per cent after the break.

“We were always making it tough for ourselves and certainly didn’t cover ourselves in glory yesterday.”

Eaton did say one player escaped criticism – centre Ollie Pursglove.

“He did what we asked everyone to do – perform the basics well,” explained the coach.

“Ollie’s carries were very, very strong, while his defence was physical but fair.

“He was outstanding and certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.”

Keighley’s next pool one game sees the visit of Hunslet Hawks to Cougar Park on Sunday.

By that time Eaton hopes to have tied up the signature of Hunslet back-rower Carl Gunney.

“I’m pretty certain he’ll be down to sign on Tuesday night,” confirmed the coach.