Derby duels

Photo: PICTURE by CHRIS SUNDERLAND

THE LONG WALK: Alan Drose of Royton trots off the field as Werneth celebrate taking his wicket.

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LOCAL bragging rights and vital points will be at stake this weekend at two local derby matches.

Tomorrow sees Werneth entertain Crompton, while 24 hours later Oldham host Royton. All four teams are desperate to go on a winning run which would see them break into the top half of the table.

Only the top eight will win a place in next season’s Premier Division.

Matthew Taylor’s side probably expected to overcome Royton last weekend, but Alan Durose and his team had not read the script and were comfortable winners.

Werneth need to bounce back tomorrow but it will not be easy. Carl Taylor’s men will have been annoyed at missing out on a probable victory when their game at bottom club Ashton last Saturday was called off, so Werneth will need to be on their mettle.

Oldham suffered a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Monton and Weaste in their last fixture and a trip to Middleton tomorrow threatens to be tough for Zafar Jatoi and his players.

Royton, on the other hand, have some momentum to utilise and the visit of Radcliffe provides them with the opportunity to kick on.

Sunday’s big local match is Oldham at home to Royton, which means an emotional return to the Pollards for ex-captain Chris McDonnell.

Crompton have a tricky home fixture against a strong Milnrow outfit headed by in-form professional Babar Naeem, while Werneth go to Monton and Weaste — always a hard place to achieve a positive result.





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