Roughyeds seek to right wrongs against Eagles

SCOTT Naylor wants a strong response

OLDHAM RL fans hope Mark Aston got it right when he said: "The team we play on Monday have a bit of dog and fight in them."

Roughyeds didn't do much barking and snarling when beaten 82-0 at Bradford, but Scott Naylor expects them to show their teeth against Aston's Sheffield Eagles at Bower Fold on Monday (3pm kick-off).

"We need a positive response after Bradford," said Naylor, whose side are seeking their third win of the season against the full-time Eagles.

Lewis Palfrey's late drop goal gave Naylor's men a 21-20 win at Bower Fold in April, while the return game on July 1 ended 24-16 in Oldham's favour.

Added Naylor: "From Sheffield's point of view, they will be determined to put things right. We know what we need to do, but it won't be easy trying to stop them doing what they do well."

Sheffield's future is in the balance and Aston has called on fans to "hold their nerve" while talks with potential investors continue.

Former Oldham players Adam Neal and George Tyson will be out to shine against their old team, who are strengthened by the inclusion in the provisional squad of four players who didn't figure last week at Odsal - Adam Clay, Liam Thompson, Joe Burke and Kenny Hughes.

Out injured are Sammy Gee, Craig Briscoe and Danny Grimshaw, while Scott Turner is unavailable this weekend.

Oldham (from): Lepori, Clay, Gill, Chisholm, Palfrey, Hewitt, Joy, Owen, Dickinson, Langtree, Middlehurst, Hope, Spencer, Thompson, Burke, Files, Hughes, Ward, Blagbrough.

With Gee, Turner and Grimshaw out, there are only six recognised backs available so a forward may have to fill-in at centre; possibly Gary Middlehurst.