Oldham fans advised to turn up early for Bradford clash

Oldham are again asking fans to turn up in good time when Bradford Bulls visit Bower Fold on Sunday (3pm) in the Roughyeds' second home game in the Betfred Championship.

When Bulls were here in the corresponding fixture in 2017 the game attracted a crowd of 1,691 and that might be topped on Sunday given that Bradford have possibly the best away following in the division.

When Widnes were at Bower Fold on the opening day of the season there was an attendance of 1,726 --- the Roughyeds' biggest home league crowd for eight years.

Bradford's visit will evoke memories of the last time when Oldham won 26-22 with tries by Adam Neal, Danny Langtree, Tuoyoto Egodo and Kieran Gill, plus Danny Leatherbarrow's five goals from six shots and this line-up:

Lepori; Clay, Grimshaw, Gill, Egodo; Leatherbarrow, Hewitt; Neal, Gee, Mason, Langtree, Thompson, Spencer. Subs: Ward, Bent, Hughes, Davies.

It was Gill's special try near the end which sealed Oldham's win and plummeted Oldham Community Radio's Gerald Brierley into local radio folklore because of his excited commentary which went viral on social media.

If Sunday's game is half as good it will be a thriller in every sense of the word.

Bradford are already selling match tickets and travel packages, as Widnes did before their visit to Stalybridge on February 2.

To book hospitality places ring the Roughyeds office on 07904 898177.

The price is £40 per head which includes a two-course pre-match meal, a seat in the main stand, match-day programme, car parking, pre and post-match interviews and presentations with club officials and players and use of a pay bar before and after the game.

+ Anyone who would like to be a steward at home games is asked to contact club safety officer Phil Black on the club number (07904 898177) or via the enquiries form which can be found on the website: enquiries@roughyeds.co.uk

By Roger Halstead