In consecutive outings against Whitehaven (top), Castleford (second) and Hull KR (third) Oldham have scored scored 10 goals and 14 tries so there are certainly lots of points in Gary Mercer's side.

Indeed, given that Oldham shoved 40 points through the Hull KR side that shoved 40 points through the Castleford side that lost to us, this Sunday's contest looks to be an intriguing one.

As usual ahead of a derby game, Mercer's injury list reads like a bus crash.

Simon Haughton hasnÕt played for nearly three months and is said to be still recovering from a minor knee operation several weeks ago; Jimmy Kirkland is said to be 50-50 with a shoulder injury; Will Cowell is recovering from a fractured cheek bone, but still two weeks away from fitness; Danny Nanyn is back in full training after knee surgery, but still a fortnight away; Rob Mills is still recuperating from an Achilles tendon injury and is not yet back in training.

Simon Svabic, who has missed the last two Oldham games with shoulder trouble, is back in contention for a place, and Gavin Dodd is expected to play despite a torn lateral ligament in his left ankle (he has only been getting through games due to acupuncture).

And it was Dodd speaking in the Oldham Chron. this week who oulined Oldham's NL! survival plan: ÒWe have targeted the four remaining games Ñ Rochdale and Halifax away, Batley and Barrow at home Ñ as must-win matches. Until we are out of the (relegation) play-off chase mathematically, we are not even thinking about the battle at the other end of the table. That will take care of itself so long as we win at Rochdale on Sunday to keep alive our top-six ambitions.Ó

...er ... right.

Given that Hornets have Oldham, Hull KR and Whitehaven at home and Doncaster away in the run in, Bobbie Goulding's got his eye firmly fixed on fourth spot - if only we can shake off our Jeckyl and Hyde performances.

Having started like a house on fire against Featherstone, Hornets got sucked in to their slow-down, spoiling style and let them get far closer to the game than they ever deserved. But if motivation for 'big games' isn't a problem, the lads shouldn't need much geeing up for this Sunday.

The only doubt is Rob Ball who suffered a dead-leg last weekend. Gareth Price should hopefully be back in contention after a bout of flu.

With the business end of the season upon us, every point is vital - and with Halifax hosting Featherstone and Doncaster at Barrow, a win is the only option if we are to maintain our pressure on the teams around us.

So let's get stuck in on Sunday and give the lads 100%. Your support DOES matter and it DOES make a huge difference. Games with Oldham always bring an extra frisson of spice - and this one will be no different. And we owe these buggers one after their last minute win at Sedgeley Park - so let's get one back.

This one will be a nerve jangling cracker. What else could possibly compete on a Sunday afternoon? You'd be mad to miss it - see you there.