Deakin issues warning

ROUGHYEDS coach Steve Deakin isn’t expecting an easy ride when Doncaster visit Boundary Park on Sunday.

At stake is the chance to qualify for the National League Two Grand Final, but to get there at the first time of asking the Roughyeds will have to get past a Dons side, coached by Ellery Hanley, which ended the season on a high to finish in fourth place.

“We know they are a good football team,” said Deakin, who will finalise his line-up tonight, from a squad of 21 players.

“They have got a bit of form together and finished the season strongly, so we will have to be on top of our game to get a result. But the incentive is a massive one.

“We trained as quickly last night as we have done all year and with huge amounts of enthusiasm, which is a good sign.”

Oldham haven’t played in three weeks and that has given enough time for men like Tommy Goulden (ligaments in foot) and Matty Brooks (torn calf) to regain fitness.

Only Ian Hodson (elbow) and Gareth Langley (shoulder) will miss out on the chance of selection.

The Roughyeds were also handed a boost yesterday by the news that Jason Boults can carry on playing until the end of the season.

His knee injury was examined by a specialist and the conclusion was that the off-season break will provide an opportunity for the problem to right itself.

Oldham (from): O’Connor, St Hilaire, Halliwell, Nanyn, Onyango, Roden, Coyle, Boults, Hoyle, Sutton, Menzies, Goulden, Roberts, Joseph, Baines, Tamghart, Cardiss, Brooks, Mervill, Littler, Robinson.

Meanwhile, chief executive Chris Hamilton has urged supporters to turn out in force at Boundary Park, particularly given chairman Bill Quinn’s public appeal for bigger crowds .
“You would like to think that given Bill’s comments and what is at stake, plenty will make the effort to support the club and the team, hopefully on to the big stage in just over two weeks’ time.”

TICKETS for the Grand Final, at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, September 28, will go on sale from the Boundary Park ticket office immediately after the game should Oldham win.

In that event, transport to the game is also available at £8 per head.