Hough handed two-match ban

CHRIS Hough will be absent from the Oldham bench for tomorrow’s high-profile Boundary Park clash with London Skolars.

The experienced 27-year-old half-back picked up a £25 fine and a two-match ban at an RFL disciplinary hearing last night, a decision which prevents him from assisting head coach Tony Benson from the sidelines as he had against Hornets RL on Sunday.

Hough, who came back to the Roughyeds earlier this season in order to help put the youngsters in the reserves through their paces, was sent off last month for the use of the forearm and elbow in a second-team match at Keighley.

Cougars prop Wayne Charlton was handed a one-match ban for his reaction to Hough’s challenge.

Hopes are high that another player brought in initially to help with reserves duties, Matty Ashe, will be fit to play his second first-team game in five days tomorrow night.

The Kiwi half-back injured a shoulder in the 48-28 defeat of Hornets RL but has recovered well and may restrict Thomas Coyle, who returns from a one-match suspension, to a place on the replacements’ bench when Benson names his side after tonight’s final training session.

Luke Menzies is progressing well and has an outside chance of being named in the 17 for the televised fixture (7.30pm kick off).

Preparations are continuing behind the scenes for a game which is free for everyone to get into, but costs £1 to leave.

Drag queen Princess Jordan is to entertain the crowd before the game and during the half-time interval, performing as Madonna before switching to Amy Winehouse and accompanied by a set of star dancers.

o OLDHAM reserves play out their final home match of the season tonight at Sedgley Park, with Keighley Cougars the visitors (7.30pm).