Whitehaven started the League One season under a major handicap with only three substitutes.

Against the second favourites to win the title, Oldham Roughyeds, the Cumbrians slipped to a 14-0 defeat.

Karl Olstrom, Lewis Brown and Matty While were all taken ill on the eve of the game, limiting Carl Forster’s options rom the inter-change bench.

“It certainly didn’t help us but on the field we didn’t help ourselves," said Forster.

“There was a ten minute period in the first-half when they were down to 12 men we should have taken advantage but we looked as if we had never played together.

“That was more disappointing than losing the game.

“We knew what Oldham would produce and in those sort of conditions, with the pack they have, they are probably the best equipped team in the competition.

“The fact that we were penalised 17 times in the game, 14 of them in the second-half didn’t help us either,” said Forster.

Paul Crook, the former Haven half-back took full advantage by booting over four second-half penalties to take his side clear.

The Haven coach was unable to include Jessie Joe Parker in his squad as his visa agreement just needs amending.

But Parker and the three players who took ill on Saturday, should be available for next Sunday’s follow-up game at the Recreation Ground when London Skolars visit in the Challenge Cup.