Naylor happy to keep busy

SCOTT NAYLOR

DESPITE their defeat at Gateshead, Scott Naylor has at least welcomed the improved run of matches in the run-up to the Championship One play-offs.

A year ago Oldham played their last league game at Rochdale on August 15, then faced a 31-day stretch without a game. Naylor arranged a game aganst Leigh Centurions reserves to keep Roughyeds on their toes.

"This year we are straight into the play-offs without a break and that will be much better," said the Oldham boss.

"You can't beat playing every week and I think we were definitely affected adversely last year by not having had a competitive game for a full month."

Gloucester All Golds come to Whitebank on Sunday (3pm) when Oldham will be out to beat them for the third time this year.

Victory is important: in the event of Hunslet slipping up in South Wales, Naylor's men would then finish second and have home advantage against the Hawks in the first play-off on September 14.

If Hunslet win at Scorpions they will finish second, irrespective of Oldham's result.