Back at the helm

SCOTT NAYLOR . . . the Roughyeds coach is looking to end a run of five straight defeats

NORMAL service will be resumed at Bower Fold on Sunday when Scott Naylor takes full command of Oldham again after working off what was effectively a two-match touchline ban by the RFL.

In reality it was for five games, but as three of them were suspended until 2018 the Roughyeds boss will be back in the dressing room as usual before his troops go out to face a Halifax side that last Sunday leathered Sheffield 54-0 away from home.

To have Naylor back at the game-day rudder will itself be a major pick-me-up for the Oldham players, who will be seeking to end a five-match losing run after returning to something like their best form in a 32-24 defeat by runaway league leaders Hull KR last time out.

Having watched that game as a spectator in the stand, Naylor said: "We've turned the corner - and we've got lots to look forward to.

"It was nice to see us playing with confidence and nice to see the massive effort.

"Personally, I think our last two performances against Swinton and Hull KR have been very good, certainly a lot better than we played against Batley and Rochdale.

"TOUGH"
"Swinton came up with their best performance of the season and Hull KR was always going to be tough, but we gave them a good game and sent our fans home happy.

"The results haven't been what we wanted, but we've turned the corner and now we must kick-on from here and start to fight for points.

"There's lots of games, lots of points on offer, lots to play for and lots of opportunities to come our way at Bower Fold, where we always look most comfortable.

"After Halifax on Sunday, we've got Dewsbury Rams here next Wednesday night, so it's all to play for and I know our fans will get behind us in numbers as we strive to make the most of home advantage."

Half a dozen players are being monitored for knocks, but Naylor said there was nothing serious and nothing to keep anybody out at the weekend.

Richard Lepori will be back in the selection mix after a one-game ban.