Pivotal time for Naylor

SCOTT Naylor believes the public perception of Oldham's credentials as serious promotion candidates will be defined in the forthcoming games against York and Rochdale.

Third-placed York, seeking their fifth win in a row, are at Whitebank on Sunday, and derby rivals Rochdale - currently fifth - will be here a week later.

As league leaders, Naylor's men have so far surpassed the expectations of all but the most blinkered Roughyeds' supporters. But with only two points separating the top six clubs, the scrap for a top-five finish will go down to the wire.

After the next two home games, four of Oldham's following five matches are away at London Skolars, North Wales Crusaders, Hemel Stags and Newcastle Thunder.

Said Naylor: "It's nice to be back on top, but there's still a long way to go. The next two games are hugely important in the context of our whole season. We're preparing ourselves for two extremely tough and challenging games.

“It doesn't help that we've got a few bumps and bruises, but we'll have a team on the field and we'll be ready to go."

Of the players who picked up knocks at Gloucester, Danny Langtree (wrist) and Adam Clay (ankle) should be ready by weekend. Nathan Mason (groin) and George Tyson (knee) are doubtful. Prop Adam Neal, who missed the Gloucester game because of stomach trouble, will be available..

Steven Nield, who hasn't played since he hurt a knee at Keighley on May 31, will have a scan today, while Tom Ashton's six-week rehab programme after ligament damage, continues.

Though Jon Ford is now out with a broken finger and his loan agreement ended, Oldham hope to sign him again once he has recovered.