Oldham face daunting test

BACK IN BUSINESS . . . Royton’s Alan Durose

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UNDERDOGS Royton and Oldham must go into their JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup quarter-finals believing they can overcome the odds stacked against them.

In Oldham’s case, it will be a real David and Goliath contest when they take on Norden at Woodhouse Lane. The hosts are top of the Premier Division, while Oldham prop up the rest in the Championship.

Rashid Hussain’s men, 14 places lower than Norden in the CLL pyramid, simply have nothing to lose.

For Royton, it’s not quite such a case of mission improbable against a side eight points ahead of them in the Premier Division. Key all-rounder Alan Durose returns following suspension.

There is a full league programme tomorrow with Royton entertaining Walsden in the Premier Division and Werneth – still seeking a first victory in the league – travelling to Clifton.

Championship action sees Crompton entertain Milnrow, and Oldham go to Unsworth.

Crompton welcome back Josh Tolley after he missed last weekend’s action due to Minor Counties duty.