Benson keeps faith with free-scoring side

OLDHAM are sticking with the same side that blitzed their local rivals for tonight’s pink-themed clash with London Skolars at Boundary Park (7.30pm kick off).

Matty Ashe, who made his debut against Hornets RL on Sunday, starts again at scrum-half to keep out Thomas Coyle despite his return from suspension.

Club conditioner Martin Roden also retains his place at hooker as reward for his startling for on returning to action in the last two games due to an injuries and player numbers crisis which is now easing for coach Tony Benson.

Craig Littler continues in the right centre spot while carrying a fractured arm, and on the bench there are two changes to the line-up that beat Hornets 48-28 on Sunday.

Richard Mervill misses out due to an injury to his lower bicep, while Andy Boothroyd is struggling with work commitments. In comes Luke Menzies, back after a long spell out with an ankle problem, and Coyle.

“The Rochdale game laid the foundation for us and we have to build on that,” said Roughyeds coach Tony Benson.

“There is an excellent feeling in the camp at the moment and we know what we have to do.”

The whole squad are to dye their hair pink for tonight’s televised game, which is free for all supporters at the Boundary Park turnstiles. All fans need to bring with them is a minimum of £1 to get out of the ground.

A carnival atmosphere is expected, as is the biggest gate of the season.

Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton said: “We hope there will be a great atmosphere and that plenty of people will come down and enjoy themselves while also endorsing a very serious message.”

Oldham will climb to second place in Co-operative Championship One if they defeat the team from the capital, who have one league victory to their name all season.

Oldham: O’Connor; Onyango, Littler, Russo, Greenwood; Roden, Ashe, N Roden; Boults, M Roden, Kerr, Baines, Goulden, Joseph. Subs: I’Anson, Menzies, Robinson, Coyle. 18th man: Sykes.


OLDHAM’S reserves thrashed Keighley 56-16 last night to round off the home league campaign in style.

Debutant winger Dominic Lespierre (22), formerly of Castleford Tigers, scored a brace having been introduced to the club by Jamie I’Anson.

He had been out of the game after breaking his neck in an academy match but is now hoping to impress in the the reserves with a view to a possible first-team chance.

Prop forward Alex Eyres notched two tries in the team’s biggest win of the season, notably achieved despite the absence of regular half-back pairing Ashe and the suspended Chris Hough, and there were also scores from Simon Moores, Luke Rhoden, Michael Ward, Darryl Rowlands, Benji Lloyd and Ben Heaton. Mark Smith kicked eight goals.