Fans do make a difference — Naylor

Richard Lepori goes in against Keighley, a game watched by a crowd of 888 at Whitebank.

AFTER pulling in 888 fans at their last home game against Keighley — the best for two years — Oldham RL are anticipating a four-figure attendance when Barrow Raiders come to Whitebank on Sunday afternoon.

Roughyeds fans were well represented in a 1,000-plus crowd at Newcastle, when Scott Naylor’s league leaders recorded their 10th win in a row.

“We had fantastic support up there, in numbers and in their vocal backing for us; it really does make a big difference,” said the Oldham coach.

“Each of our remaining three league games will be massive in terms of striving for a top-two finish or better, and I’m sure our supporters will turn up in numbers on Sunday to help us to get over the line once again.

“Attendances have risen steadily over the course of the season and it would be nice to see that pattern continue against Barrow and Swinton and then in the play-offs.”

Barrow, who need to repeat their 30-18 win at Craven Park in pursuit of a top-five finish, expect to bring about 100 supporters.

Oldham’s average across nine league games at Whitebank is 549, but there’s a big difference between southern and northern opposition. Four games against southern clubs averaged 397 and five against northern sides averaged 671.



OLDHAM RL chairman Chris Hamilton will be a studio guest on BBC Radio Manchester’s weekly Rugby League Show tonight, with Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt, from 6pm.