Training pitch quandary

OLDHAM are in the process of seeking alternative training pitches for the next three weeks.

Tony Benson’s squad, who will start to build up towards next week’s vital away clash with York when they convene tonight, are unable to use the field at Chadderton FC at the moment due to maintenance work that is taking place on the playing surface.

While Benson is able to use the facilities within the Andrew Street ground for video work, the pitch itself is out of commission until early July.

“It isn’t easy, as there aren’t a plethora of suitable facilities in the borough,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“It has caused us problems over the years, though it isn’t too bad at the moment with the light nights.”

Aside from Robert Roberts (knee) and Thomas Coyle (ankle), Oldham currently have a couple of minor injury worries.

Marcus St Hilaire is still feeling a hamstring strain which troubled him in the recent defeat to Featherstone, while Tommy Goulden has a slight elbow problem.

The draw for the Northern Rail Nines competition will be made next Monday.

Including Oldham, the tournament features 18 teams from the Championship divisions — the only sides not taking part are French outfit Toulouse and the two Northern Rail Cup finalists to emerge from the semi-finals ties this week — and will be played out over the weekend of the Blackpool final on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12.

All games will be played at Fylde RUFC and every team will be involved on both days.