I know we had a few players out but this probably serves as a timely reminder that we shouldn't get too carried away with what we've achieved so far this season.

We've generally finished games well with fitness not being a problem but it seems likely the increased physicality of playing a Championship side took its toll.

On reflection, I reckon we're going to be hard pressed to finish ahead of Dewsbury so another stint in the play-offs is likely. We'll have as good a chance any anyone - probably better than most - but relying on the play-offs isn't ideal.

Anyway, there's a long way to go and much can happen over the coming weeks. Let's hope today doesn't set us back. A confidence boosting win at Cornwall would be nice, to prepare us for the more challenging game at home to Oldham the week after. We've then got a big game at home to Workington before an away trip to Dewsbury.

I reckon we need to win at least two out of the three against Oldham, Workington and Dewsbury or else the pressure will build when we get a run of away games later. In reality, if we are going to finish top, we'll have to beat Dewsbury at least once in our two meetings.

First things first, we need to beat Cornwall by a decent margin next week.

Good thoughtful post DM. If there is one thing supporting the Dons over the years has taught us its not to get carried away, I do not expect us to finish at the summit of League 1, when you look at Dewsburys scorelines they have been in most cases emphatic where ours have been problematic, winning but last minute dot com and the inability of putting the opposition to bed. The coach has yet to put out his settled strongest 17 and when he can lets see see what we are made of, plus we always come alive mid to late season (fingers crossed)
The next two home games followed by Dewsbury away as you say are crucial if we are to have a say in the promotion race.

Yesterdays result disappointing scoreline but I wonder if we adopted a self preservation mode when they went in front in the second half.

Half-time: Dewsbury 12, Widnes 8. Live on the Sportsman channel: https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/watch-live-betfred-challenge-cup-dewsbury-rams-vs-widnes-vikings

Half-time: Dewsbury 12, Widnes 8. Live on the Sportsman channel: https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/watch-live-betfred-challenge-cup-dewsbury-rams-vs-widnes-vikings

Yes, let's hope we switched off with self-preservation in mind in the second half. It'll be interesting to see the highlights - be even better to see the full 80 minutes.

Final Score: Dewsbury 32, Widnes 12.

Excellent performance from Dewsbury. They were much the better side and fully deserved their win.

They did, impressive stuff and without the risk of repeating oneself I cant see them getting beaten in the League.

Seeing Dewsbury today, has opened my eyes. I didn't think they were quite as good as that. To physically match and often outmuscle a team like Widnes was a very good achievement.

John Kear wasn't a happy chappy. He thought Widnes turned up with the wrong attitude.