Whitebank is key to top-two goal – Neal

NEW LEASE OF LIFE: Prop forward Adam Neal (centre) is enjoying his return to rugby league with Oldham.

ADAM Neal has targeted wins in each of Oldham’s five remaining games at Whitebank as key to a top-two finish and promotion.

Starting with League One form side York on Sunday, they are all against northern teams who also fancy their chances of promotion.

Rochdale arrive on Sunday week, Keighley Cougars on August 2, Barrow Raiders on August 23 and Swinton Lions on September 6.

“Generally speaking we play better at home, so at the very least we’ve got to target winning all those,” said pack leader Neal (25), the most experienced of Oldham’s young forwards.

As league leaders, Roughyeds know they are there to be shot at. Added Neal: “The top eight clubs are all capable of beating each other, which makes it a fantastic competition. Six clubs are separated by only two points. How tight is that? York will be seeking their fifth win in a row. In terms of age, youth and how they like to play, they are a similar side to us. They like to play it fast, and so do we.

“But we’re feeling pretty confident right now and with home advantage it’s a crucial game for us in terms of where we want to finish at the end of the season.

“We had a bit of a blip when Keighley and North Wales beat us, but we had a good talk then went out and showed what we could do at Swinton. It’s common knowledge what we are striving to achieve and we firmly believe we can do it.”

This time last year Neal, disillusioned at Salford, left rugby and set himself up in business: “At first I didn’t miss it, then one day I was watching a game on TV and suddenly thought I should be doing that.

I looked for a part-time opportunity and signing for Oldham was the best thing I could have done.

“I’m absolutely buzzing about how things are going. I’m at a good club with smashing team mates and good coaching. I’m happier in the sport than I’ve ever been.”

Third-placed York have the finest defensive record in the division by far and are second behind Oldham in points scored.