Naylor’s call to be clinical

available: Richard Lepori.

SCOTT Naylor says Oldham can’t let opportunities slip through their grasp if they are to beat what he describes as the “number one” team in Kingstone Press League One.

High-flying Roughyeds head to the Racecourse, Wrexham, on Sunday, where North Wales Crusaders lay in wait (2.30pm).

Having lost to them twice already this season, Oldham are desperate to avoid the hat-trick.

Naylor, who has Richard Lepori available for the first time since his recent return to the club, said: “It is the hardest game of the season — North Wales are number one. They have good players; experience; a good young talent in Jamie Dallimore; quality in Scott Turner; they work hard; they are fit and well-drilled; I could go on.

“I think it will be a close game — too close to call — but if opportunities come our way, we’ve got to grab them.”

Naylor has seen his side win its last six games, lifting them to the top of the table. Crusaders, under Anthony Murray, have won 10 of their last 11 games, including an impressive 23-6 victory at Barrow.

The previous two meetings this season were nail-biters, with Oldham losing 18-16 in the semi-final of the iPro Cup and 38-28 in the league.

Naylor went on: “There wasn’t much in it. If we can play to the level we did against Rochdale and York, it’s going to be some game.”

Oldham club captain Lewis Palfrey is fit and in contention for the away trip after recovering from a dead leg, while Sam Gee faces a late test on his back. Lepori is also available after being with the Italy squad in the Ukraine last weekend. Centre Jon Ford also comes into the reckoning after joining Oldham on loan from Salford Red Devils until the end of the season.

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