Championship One Preview: Oxford v Oldham (Sun)

Oxford coach Tony Benson is calling for more composure among his players after last week’s shock home defeat against Gloucestershire All Golds.

Benson said: “We tried to play too much, particularly out of our own end. We need to grow an appreciation for territory.

“It’s an experience thing, although everybody was doing it. It was just excitement, I suppose, but it caught us out on a number of occasions and we spent far too much time on our own line.”

Andrew Bentley (back) will be checked on Thursday, while centre Sean Morris remains unavailable.

On Oldham, Benson said: “They’ve certainly strengthened their squad and they’ve been racking up some points.

“If we’re not a major improvement from our last game, in terms of playing with our brains, then we’re in trouble. I expect a response and I expect us to be quite a different team this week.”

Oldham trio Liam Gilchrist, Lewis Palfrey and Kenny Hughes all face late tests before Scott Naylor can finalise his squad.