Coach Smith’s eyes on Oldham

THERE will be a spy in the camp — Kells coach Peter Smith — when Oldham RL play Workington Town at Derwent Park on Sunday.

Roughyeds confirmed today their fourth-round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Cumbrian amateurs Kells will be at Bower Fold on Sunday week, March 20 (kick-off 3pm).

Smith announced he will drive up the Cumbrian coast on Sunday to watch Oldham at Workington, in a key battle at the lower end of the KP Championship.

“I expect to pick up a few tips,” said the Kells boss, who has masterminded three promotions in a row to take his side from Kingstone Press National Conference Division Three to the Premier Division in the fastest possible time. Along the way he has picked up two NCL coach of the year awards.

Smith went on: “We’ll be heading to Stalybridge to enjoy the day, but we’ll turn up in the right frame of mind. We won’t be hiding behind anybody.”

Close friend of the Kells coach, Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton, said: “Our immediate focus has to be on Workington away, but our next Bower Fold game will be sudden death against the amateurs with all the pressure on us. Take with a pinch of salt what ‘Smithy’ says about enjoying the day. He’ll have his lads fired up.”

Oldham’s home league game against Bradford Bulls, postponed on Sunday because of a snow-bound pitch, has been provisionally rearranged at Bower Fold for Sunday, May 8 (3pm). The day has been set aside for the sixth round of the challenge cup, but if both teams are out they will play their outstanding fixture.