Match Preview: Batley vs Oldham
01/07/2026
Oldham are aiming to do the double over Batley Bulldogs for the first time since 2001 when the two sides meet at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium on Friday night (7:30pm).
Roughyeds, a fortnight ago, beat the Bulldogs 26-6 in a game played in Dewsbury and will be looking to replicate that result.
The Roughyeds faithful are set to turn out in big numbers once again, with over two-thirds of the club’s initial away ticket allocation already snapped up.
Alan Kilshaw, Martin Elswood and Simon Finnigan have overseen one of the club's finest runs of form in more than 35 years; a win on Friday would be their 13th consecutive in the league.
Batley come into the game on the end of a heavy 64-12 defeat to London and will be determined to prove a point on home soil against Oldham.
Team News
Alan Kilshaw has once again named a strong 21-man squad, with the Oldham boss naming the same set of players as last week.
Emmanuel Waine misses out on selection, while Marcus Geener and Sam Littler remain on loan at North Wales Crusaders.
Squad in full: 1. Jack Walker, 3. Ben O'Keefe, 4. Ben Davies, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Morgan Smith, 7. Ben Hartill, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Ryan Lannon, 13. Adam Milner, 15. Ted Chapelhow, 16. Ewan Moore, 18. Jaron Purcell, 21. Tom Nisbet, 22. Iain Thornley 23. Josh Drinkwater, 26. Brad Day, 27. Bayley Liu, 29. Luke Forber, 00. Jake Thewlis
The Opposition
With ten points separating the two sides in the Betfred Championship standings, Oldham will go into the contest as favourites.
Batley haven't won since their narrow win over Halifax on June 14, but have earned some good results on home turf.
Oldham know they face a stern test against a Bulldogs side that has suffered just two home defeats all season, one of which came against London last week.
History favours Batley, too. Although Oldham edged a 22-18 win there last season, it was their first victory away to Batley since 2004.
Key playmaker Ben Reynolds and former Roughyed Jimmy Beckett – who is on loan at Batley from Castleford – both missed last week's defeat against London. Should they remain unavailable, it would hand Oldham a boost.
Batley are also without another former Super League player in centre Derrell Olpherts, who is currently serving a six-match suspension.
Robbie Butterworth, who scored in the reverse fixture, remains in good form and will be one of James Ford's danger men.
Tickets information
Tickets for this game are on sale via the Roughyeds online shop.
More than 100 tickets from our initial allocation of 150 have already been snapped up, with the club now requesting an additional allocation. If you haven't secured yours yet, don't wait – get your ticket now.
Oldham supporters must purchase tickets directly from our website and not via the Batley page, in order for the club to receive the relevant commission.
Only one ticket type is available for purchase online: adult tickets, priced at £20.
Tickets for juniors are not available for advance purchase online and may only be obtained on the day of the match.
Batley do not offer concessionary pricing; therefore, supporters aged 65 and over are required to purchase an adult ticket.
Please note that your tickets will be emailed to you separately following your purchase. For assistance, email kasey.smith@roughyeds.co.uk.
Media coverage
We are pleased to announce that our full match commentary service will be back for Friday's game on Roughyeds TV.
Matt Horton will be in the hotseat for those who can't make it to the Fox's Biscuits Stadium.
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We can't wait to see you with us in Batley on Sunday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!