Naylor waits for Ford verdict

JON FORD . . . took a blow to the head performing a tackle at Keighley.

OLDHAM are waiting for centre Jon Ford, who took a blow to the head at Keighley, before naming their squad for Sunday’s Law Cup clash at Rochdale.

The former Salford man was injured trying to stop Cougars centre Hamish Barnes scoring in the 55th minute. He took no further part in the pre-season warm-up game. He will be assessed at training tonight.

Said coach Scott Naylor: “We’ll be looking at two or three, including Jon, but there’s nothing serious and nothing to cause too much concern. I was disappointed with the result at Keighley because the boys knew I regarded it as a challenge, given that we lost there in the league last season.

“Our next game is even more important – a derby with silverware at stake – and we know it’s important for the fans, too.

“If there’s one of these warm-up games they really want to win, it’s Rochdale by a mile.”

A new-look Hornets were beaten 44-16 by Salford in their first run-out, but they built a 12-0 lead and made the Super League outfit work harder than the score suggests.

New coach Alan Kilshaw said: “We’re looking forward to this one. Unless we draw Oldham in the Challenge Cup this will be our only game against them this year. It’s billed as a friendly. But it isn’t really. There’s a trophy to win and both teams will be taking it very seriously.”

Roughyeds make the short journey to Spotland as cup holders, having won narrowly at the same venue when the Law Cup was last up for grabs in 2013 — Naylor’s first game as Oldham boss.