KEIGHLEY Cougars threatened a comeback in their Betfred League One clash at Rochdale Hornets, but eventually went down 29-14, making it two defeats from two.

Rochdale started brightly and got their reward, as a Martyn Ridyard grubber was spilt on the line by Lewis Wray. Andy Lea reacted quickest to pounce and touch the ball down.

Cougars full-back Alfie Seeley was then carried from the field with a nasty-looking injury, before the home side doubled their lead in controversial circumstances.

Jamie Tracey grounded the ball moments after Ritchie Hawkyard was tackled in the air by Brad Holroyd, on the back of a Ridyard kick to the corner.

Sam Freeman extended the advantage, taking the two on offer after James Feather had been sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge.

Jack Miller (pictured) soon scored Cougars’ first points of the afternoon though, diving on the ball after his grubber was punted through behind the line by the supporting Hawkyard.

Miller then turned provider. A delayed short ball out of the back created space in the line for Jake Webster to power his way over from close range.

Freeman extended the Rochdale lead to a converted try, the full back converting the penalty after Keighley were penalised for a ball steal.

From the restart, another penalty saw Rochdale get down the field and score, as Liam Whalley powered over after an assist from Lewis Sheridan.

Ridyard then marked his debut with a drop goal, slotting over from distance as the Hornets continued to punish Keighley’s ill-discipline.

The Cougars continued to push, and nearly scored through Mo Agoro, but the winger was bundled into touch by Dale Bloomfield in the right hand corner.

They did get a third try shortly before full-time, when Ritchie Hawkyard marked his return following his retirement U-turn with the score.

Sam Hopkins put the icing on the cake though for Rochdale, strolling over the line after everyone came to a halt when the hooter sounded.