Match Preview: Widnes vs Oldham
24/06/2026
Oldham could match their best run of wins since 1990 if they defeat Widnes Vikings at the DCBL Stadium on Friday night.
Alan Kilshaw’s side head into the contest on an 11-match winning streak – their longest in the league since 2001 – and will be determined to keep the momentum going against the Vikings.
Widnes, however, arrive in impressive form themselves. Allan Coleman’s men won the previous meeting between the sides and have conceded just 18 points across their last five matches.
With the Vikings sitting just two points behind Oldham, Friday’s showdown has all the ingredients to be the standout fixture of the round.
Team News
Jaron Purcell returns to the Oldham squad and is in contention to make his comeback this weekend.
The forward, who has scored five tries in 16 appearances for the Roughyeds, has not featured since the end of May and comes back into the squad in place of Emmanuel Waine, who drops out.
That is the only change made by Oldham boss Alan Kilshaw for the short turnaround.
Squad in full: 1. Jack Walker, 3. Ben O'Keefe, 4. Ben Davies, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Morgan Smith, 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. Ben Hartill, 00. Josh Thewlis
The Opposition
Widnes have won each of their last six matches and have not conceded a point in either of their last two games.
They come into the game off the back of a 48-0 win over Hunslet where new signing Danny Richardson made his debut for the Vikings. The half-back is expected to get the nod again on Friday night.
Ryan Ince, also expected to be starting, has scored 17 tries in 18 appearances so far this season.
The winger scored two against Oldham in the reverse fixture and will be hoping to pick up where he left off.
Tickets information
Tickets for this game are on sale via the Roughyeds online shop.
Oldham supporters must purchase tickets directly from our website and not via the Widnes Vikings page, in order for the club to receive the relevant commission.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult £24
Concession £20
Under 18 £12
Under 11 £6
Under 5 Free
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 will, once again, be providing full match commentary of the game via Roughyeds TV.
Matt Horton will be in the hotseat for those who can't make it to the DCBL Stadium.
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We can't wait to see you with us at Widns on Sunday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!