Naylor hopes for more positives

OLDHAM RL head to Barrow on Sunday for the last of three pre-season warm-up games.

The Roughyeds have suffered narrow defeats in their two fixtures so far – at Swinton Lions and at Kingstone Press Championship kings Leigh Centurions – but head coach Scott Naylor has been satisfied with his team’s performances.

It’s now only a fortnight to the start of the season with a League One Cup tie against Coventry Bears at Whitebank on March 1.

“There have been plenty of positives to take from the opening two games,” said the coach.

“The Swinton match went very much as I expected. We made a few mistakes, while playing some really good stuff.

“Last week at Leigh it was much better and we gave a good account of ourselves against a really tough side. In that one, our defence was outstanding.

“It’s going to be tough again at Barrow on Sunday, but that’s why I chose these three pre-season games.

“It’s a long way to travel, so as well as coming up against a really good side once we get there, the travelling will present the players with a tough mental test.

“It’s another big step towards what we’re working towards, and that’s the Coventry game.

“Hopefully there will be plenty more positives to come out of the Barrow game, then it’s down to the real business.”

The Craven Park clash kicks off at 2pm.