Naylor geared up for derby crunch

BACK FROM INJURY . . . Lewis Palfrey.

A NEAR full-strength Oldham squad will need no extra motivation going into tonight’s tasty final match of the regular Kingstone Press Championship One season at Rochdale.

The televised derby will see Roughyeds looking for revenge following a Hornets win at Whitebank on Good Friday, the opening day of the season.

Oldham coach Scott Naylor says he wants a performance good enough to win the game and keep alive the chance of pipping North Wales Crusaders to the title and automatic promotion.

Naylor said: “It’s a great game to finish off the season. The derby scenario means I won’t have to worry too much about motivation.

“It’ll be fast, it’ll be furious, and it means so much to the fans. The form book goes out of the window though. Rochdale have been strong at home, but that’s irrelevant. Derby games call for a whole different mindset.”

Jon Ford’s elbow injury means he will be the only definite Oldham absentee tonight.

Danny Langtree and skipper Lewis Palfrey have recovered after missing last Sunday’s draw against Gloucester All Golds and will be available. Tonight’s game, to be screened on Premier Sports TV, kicks-off at 7pm.