CH1 preview: Rochdale v Oldham (Thu)

Ruairi McGoff is Rochdale’s major concern for Thursday’s televised derby after suffering an elbow injury during Hornets’ win over Gateshead Thunder on Sunday.

But the hosts could be boosted by the return of Alex Trumper as they chase a top-three finish in Kingstone Press Championship One.

Rochdale assistant coach Chris Hough said: “It’s a game we need to win. We know we’ve let ourselves down in our last three away games and we want to do well on Thursday.”

He added: “It’s a local derby and everyone wants to play in these games. These are the games we all love playing in.”

Jon Ford is ruled out for Oldham, who need a win to maintain their hopes of finishing top. However, North Wales Crusaders have enough games in hand to overhaul Scott Naylor’s squad.

Naylor said: “Form means nothing (in a derby). I know when we get to Spotland Rochdale will be ready and wanting to beat us.”