Challenge Cup: Dons will treat Myton Warriors with respect - Thornton

Doncaster RLFC hit the Ladbrokes Rugby League Challenge Cup trail this weekend when entertaining National Conference League Premier Division newcomers Myton Warriors.
Liam Welham has been able to provide some scouting information on Myton. Photo: Rob TerraceLiam Welham has been able to provide some scouting information on Myton. Photo: Rob Terrace
Liam Welham has been able to provide some scouting information on Myton. Photo: Rob Terrace

Despite having suffered defeat in their first competitive game of the season in the iPro Sport Cup, the Dons will start Sunday's third round tie at the Keepmoat Stadium as odds-on favourites.

But head coach Gary Thornton, unhappy with the team's second half display at Cougar Park, is taking nothing for granted against the Hull-based opponents and will not tolerate any signs of complacency in his squad.

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“It's something we spoke about in training on Tuesday night,” said Thornton, who felt some of his players underestimated the young Leeds side during their pre-season campaign,.

“We've all seen the upsets in the FA Cup this season and we don't want to be on the end of one this weekend.

“And it can happen as we saw last season when five League One sides were beaten by amateur opposition in the Challenge Cup.

“Another factor is that we are a bit in the dark about them because I've not had the chance to see them play. They they didn't have a game at the weekend whereas they will probably have had us watched on Sunday.

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“Fortunately Liam Welham is from that neck of the woods and he knows some of their players so we've taken on board what he has said. We are certainly treating them with respect and we've prepared as though we are facing Toronto or Barrow.”

Well beaten by Halifax in 2012 and Dewsbury the year after, it will be Myton’s third crack at a league club in the last decade.

“In both of those games the pace of the game, particularly in the last 20 minutes, took its toll on the lads having worked really hard to try and stay in the game for an hour or so at a quicker pace than normal,” said head coach Tony Spence this week.

“The physicality of the professional players and their speed off the line in defence gave my players less thinking time and made those games really tough.

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“We know that we have to slow the game down whenever possible without giving too many penalties away, control the ball and make the most of our chances.

“Our defence has to be strong, compact and really enthusiastic to stop their big men rolling up the field.”