Oldham on a high - coach Naylor

SCOTT NAYLOR

AN upbeat Scott Naylor has acknowledged that successive Shield wins against relegation rivals Workington Town and Swinton Lions have given Oldham a massive boost in their battle to stay in the KP Championship.

The 30-8 win at Swinton equalled the Roughyeds' season-best winning margin, established by the 38-16 home win against Dewsbury Rams in February, and was the side's first away win against part-time opponents.

They had that sensational 36-22 win at Hull KR in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup and a 24-16 victory at Sheffield in the league, both against full-time professional outfits.

Said Naylor: "We're on a high, but we've still a long way to go until we are mathematically certain of staying up and that's what counts."

DROP ZONE

Despite Workington's home win against Dewsbury, Oldham remain five points above the drop zone with five to play.

They are seven points ahead of bottom-club Whitehaven; five ahead of Workington; and three in front of Swinton.

They are equal with Dewsbury Rams on 18 and only two behind Sheffield, who are at Bower Fold in the next home game on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29 (3pm kick off).

Sammy Gee, who played at centre yesterday, will not be charged by the RFL after being placed on report for a late tackle on Callum Phillips near the end of the Workington game on August 7.

The Match Review Panel has studied video evidence and concluded that although Gee's tackle was slightly late, there was nothing in it to warrant a charge.

The latest update on Craig Briscoe's knee injury is not as positive. He will need an operation and he won't play again this season.