Naylor wants to get back on the right track

Phil Joy trained last night (Tuesday)

Scott Naylor sees Friday night's game at Keighley Cougars (8pm) as a chance for Oldham to prove their season is back on track after narrow defeats by Hunslet and Workington Town.

Clearly disregarding last week's stroll-in-the-park 18-try win against bottom-club West Wales Raiders as a barometer of current form, the Roughyeds boss said the result at Keighley would tell him a lot more.

"It's always tough going there," said Naylor.

"But we've got to win games like this to show people we are serious about our intentions and about our play-off ambitions.

"It's no good winning at home (by a club record 102-6) and then going to Keighley and losing.

"I know they've had financial problems in the last two or three weeks and have lost some players as a result, but that sort of thing can often galvanise the rest and make them stronger as a group.

"We expect nothing less than a very tough test."

Still injured and definitely out are Danny Langtree, Matty Wilkinson, Adam Neal, Kyran Johnson, Kenny Hughes and the latest victim, Matt Reid, who has a groin problem.

He didn't play against the Welsh side and he is still sidelined.

Phil Joy, who's had a rib injury, trained as usual on Tuesday night, but Naylor and his medical team are now waiting to see whether he suffers an adverse reaction.

On a brighter note, Naylor has confirmed that he will again have dual-reg personnel available from Leigh Centurions, but he won't have Jordan Dezaria, who hurt a shoulder in his Oldham debut against West Wales.

Victory would give Oldham their second double of the season, following their 32-18 win at the Vestacare Stadium in April.

Meanwhile, Workington forward Fuifui Moimoi, sin-binned for a high tackle on Ben West in the 64th minute of the recent game at the Vestacare Stadium, has been banned for two matches for a grade B offence.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.