Oldham hopeful over Rochdale clash

Oldham are hopeful it will be third-time lucky in their efforts to stage the pre-season Law Cup derby with Rochdale Hornets at Whitebank.

It was postponed on Monday, January 2 and Sunday, January 8 because the Whitebank pitch wasn’t fit after heavy rain, but another attempt will be made this coming Sunday, January 15, with a 4pm kick off.

“Both clubs are keen to get the game played,” said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton, “but when we inspected on Saturday there were still areas of the pitch that were very bad.

“The postponements have been as frustrating for the clubs as they have been for the fans, but after looking at the weather forecasts for the next few days we are hopeful to get the game on this weekend.”

The kick-off time has been set at 4pm because Hornets are playing an under-23s game at Warrington Wizards on the same day, kicking off at 12.30pm. Several members of the Hornets staff, headed by coach John Stankevitch, will be on duty at both games.