New-look Roughyeds to open 2025 with Hornets Law Cup clash

Oldham fans will have their first chance to watch Sean Long's exciting new-look side when the Law Cup fixture against derby rivals Rochdale returns to Boundary Park for the first time since 2004 in January.

The League One champions have announced that the first confirmed run-out of the New Year ahead of the Championship season will see the Hornets come to town on Sunday January 12th, a 3pm kick off, in the first instalment of the Law Cup since 2023.

Oldham returned to full pre-season training at Melrose this week as they commence preparations for an exciting 2025 campaign, with the Law Cup clash now a focal point of the Championship build- up.

New signings Matty Ashurst and Iain Thornley were announced this week, hot on the heels of big-name Super League arrivals Gil Dudson, Adam Milner, Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, Lewis Baxter and former Rochdale man Ben Forster, as the Roughyeds assemble a formidable squad for the new season.

Our two League One clashes with Rochdale saw the Roughyeds triumph 14-10 in a thrilling away fixture in July, with Long's men winning comfortably 54-6 at Boundary Park in March.

The renewal of a famous rivalry in January promises to be unmissable.

"This has the makings of being a great year and I urge fans to get their tickets, get down to this great stadium and support us," new boy Ashurst told Roughyeds TV.

Managing director Mike Ford says fans are returning to watch Oldham in great number because of the excitement around what the club is producing on and off the field, with the Law Cup clash against our local rivals a perfect start to the New Year.

"The squad has got better again as it needs to because we are in the Championship. We are very, very excited and the fans are with us because they want to watch and be proud of a winning team."

Fans can now book their tickets for a glimpse of Oldham's star-studded team, with all tickets priced at just £12, and under-16s going free – just use code 'freechild1'.