Match Preview: Oldham v York

Boss Sean Long has named his squad as Oldham make their eagerly-anticipated return to the Betfred Championship against much-fancied York Knights at Boundary Park on Sunday afternoon.

Roughyeds head into the season opener with confidence high from last weekend’s Challenge Cup win over Barrow, and looking to build on last year’s stunning League 1 title success that brought the crowds flooding back to Oldham.

But in Mark Applegarth’s Knights the first opposition could not be more fierce, with Long making some big selection decisions for the big kick-off.

Team News

It is another strong 21-man squad for the visit of York with Super League loan stars George Hirst and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e brought straight back into contention after returning from a full pre-season with Wigan and Hull KR respectively.

Star winger Mo Agoro though misses out after reporting a niggle following the Barrow game and will not be risked.

Captain Jordan Turner remains absent with a hamstring injury, while Logan Astley, Adam Lawton, Brad Gallagher and McKenzie Yei continue to work their way back to full fitness.

Squad in full: 2. Kieran Dixon, 4. Iain Thornley, 6. Danny Craven, 7. Riley Dean, 8. Gil Dudson, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Bailey Aldridge, 15. Jay Chapelhow, 16. Pat Moran, 17. Elijah Taylor, 18. Jumah Sambou, 19. Ted Chapelhow, 20. Jack Johnson, 21. Lewis Baxter, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Ben O'Keefe, 30. George Hirst, 31. Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e

Match Experience

Tickets, priced at £20 for adults and £14 for concessions, free for children, will be available on the day as well as in advance online.
Fans are strongly advised to purchase in advance.

The last few VIP Access hospitality tickets in the Broadway Suite remain, which features a pie and peas meal, bar access and free tea and coffee as well as the usual pre-match interviews with our players, and post-match presentations including Player of the Match.
To upgrade your matchday ticket, simply select the 'pie and peas hospitality' add-on when buying online.

Bar 1895 is our pre-match hub for both Oldham and visiting supporters alike. Fans are urged to arrive early to avoid disappointment, with the venue expected to reach capacity.
The entertainment kicks off with live music from resident house band the Boundary Parkas, before host George Riley takes over at 2pm with the all-important exclusive first read of the big-match team news plus live interviews with the Oldham stars not in the matchday 17.

It is the perfect place to meet your friends and family, have a drink before and after the game, listen to live music, watch Roughyeds footage on the big screens, and gain real insight from the players ahead of the game.

Key Stadium info

Only the Joe Royle Stand will be open this weekend, with all tickets remaining valid.

Those who have purchased blue lights season tickets will be able to use their ticket at the turnstiles in the Joe Royle Stand.

Access:
Please note that fans can enter the stadium via Bar 1895, but there is no re-entry to Bar 1895 before kick-off once you are inside the stadium - so relax and enjoy the Bar 1895 entertainment before taking your seats.
Once the match has kicked off, fans will be able to access Bar 1895 from the stadium.
Other refreshments are available via the kiosks on the concourse.

Roughyeds merchandise and kit is now being stocked in Athletic Store at Boundary Park, and fans can pop in to get kitted out on matchday too.
We have added new lines of our training gear this week.

Media coverage

There really is no substitute to being here, but for those who can’t make it to Boundary Park, don’t despair!

We now offer our loyal fans an exclusive live audio commentary service available at 3pm on our fast-growing YouTube channel Roughyeds TV.
Join George and one of our players at kick-off, and use the chat feature to get involved during the broadcast.

Make sure you are also subscribed (hit subscribe!) to gain access to all of our exclusive content, and like/share/comment to help with our IMG stats!

While you are at it, make sure you are following all of our social channels, on Facebook, X and Instagram, the only place to hear the first thoughts from head coach Sean Long before and after kick off, see exclusive on-the-hooter interviews with our players at the end of the game, watch try clips during matches and much more.

Let’s get Boundary Park bouncing - see you Sunday!