GREGG McNally wants a fast start when Oldham face London Skolars at the New River Stadium tomorrow.
Roughyeds currently sit third in the table after some convincing wins across the season, but one thing they have struggled with, especially in the last two weeks, have been starting well.
In the last four games, on average, Oldham in the second half have been leading by 14 points compared to just two in the first 40.
“We started slow against Midlands and we did against Hunslet, so I think, as lads, we need to look at that,” said full-back McNally.
“When we play London we need to hit the ground running and play like we know we can.
“The funny thing is, we put 40 points on Hunslet – the best defence in League One – and I don’t think we got out of third gear, to be honest.
“Not being disrespectful to Hunslet, but I just think we were a bit scratchy in the first half.
“We know where we need to fix up and we want to get to that level, that we know we can play at, for the full game.”
Skolars have struggled this year, having lost all ten of their games so far.
They have conceded over 100 points in their last two games against North Wales and Dewsbury – but there have been signs of the threat they pose, too.
They scored 30 against Doncaster – the side which Oldham have failed to overcome on two occasions this year – and came close to registering their first win of the season over Rochdale, but lost 28-24.
Going into the game, Roughyeds will be mindful of the last time they visited the Skolars ground, when they lost 38-16 just over a year ago.
One man who played in that game was prop Luke Nelmes, who should he be selected to play, is in line to make his 100th career appearance.
The Yorkshireman started out his professional career on dual-registration with South Wales Scorpions but has played most of his career at Oldham
74 of his 99 appearances have been for Roughyeds who he has played for since 2018, barring a short stint at Dewsbury in 2020.
Admission prices for the game, which kicks off at 3pm, are £15 for adults and £10 for concessions (under 16s, students and over 65s) with pay on the day available.
You can purchase them in advance on the Skolars ticketing page
