Now with a 6pm kick-off, Sunday’s game against our nearest and queerest enemy provides yet another yardstick for progress - but this time for both coaches.

Anyone with half an eye on the media will have clocked the pressure that Molloy’s been under since Oldham’s thumping by Leigh. Having your chairman go public with his criticism is hardly good for the nerves. And - despite a creditable showing against Warrington - his tenure is still undoubtedly under Hamilton and Whitehead’s microscope.

Amidst talk of financial problems and simmering rebellion in the camp, Molloy will be wanting to steady the ship with a solid performance - assuming he can get his best 13 on the park.

Hooker John Hough will be sitting out the next month with his leg in a brace, while Ian Marsh is being fitted with a similar contraption to support a cruciate ligament injury.

Gavin Johnson is still to play a game after badly damaging an ankle in pre-season training; Phil Farrel, out since a shoulder operation before Christmas, won’t be ready until the start of the National League campaign in a fortnight.

Everyone’s favourite fat-lad Paul Southern, was due to see a specialist this week about a persistent groin problem, while Oldham are struggling to get former James Bunyan fit after shoulder trouble kept him out of last Sunday’s win at Chorley.

But there is some good/bad news (depending which side of Royton you live on) John Goddard and Nick Johnson, who both picked up knocks at Chorley, should be okay and Molloy is hopeful that hooker Keith Brennan will have recovered from a back injury in time to play.

There’s no doubt that Bobbie Goulding understands the importance of a derby game.

“I’m a Widnes boy and we weren’t bothered if we didn’t win another game all year so long as we beat Warrington. I can tell from the buzz at Spotland that there is a similar feeling here,” he said.

“There’s nothing like a derby to bring out the best in teams,” he went on, “... and none of my players want to miss this one, especially those whom Oldham released last year.

Delighted with last week’s performance against Hunslet, the Bobster expects to pick his side from the 17 who beat Hunslet - with a couple of possible augmentations.

Lee Birdseye, who was unavailable last week, comes back into contention and Hornets are also trying to speed through the signing of former Saints youngster David Cunliffe, who has been playing *nion for Liverpool-St Helens. A centre, Cunliffe could come under consideration if formalities have been completed - but Bobbie does have the pleasing problem of a selection headache.

Does he stick with Andy Gorski at centre with Paul Anderson? After a shaky first quarter last week, Gorski looked solid -and he gives us size and presence in the threquarters.

Does he play Birdseye from the start or retain a half-back partnership of Sam Butterworth and John Braddish - who had an excellent game last week? Decisions, decisions.

One decision Bobbie has made this week is to promote Paul Anderson to vice-captain.

“Paul is doing so well that I had no hesitation in making him vice-captain,” said the Bobster. “He has been absolutely outstanding for me so far. By all accounts he had a poor season at Oldham, but he has led us from the front and I can’t speak too highly of him.”

“We now have a lot of experience in the side. They don’t come much more experienced than Darren Shaw, Paul Anderson and Tommy Hodgkinson, who had a terrific second half against Hunslet last week.”

And Hornets will need every last drop of their experience on Sunday if we are to go one better than we did in the Law Cup.

There’s no doubt that, on paper, Oldham look stronger than they have for a good few seasons - but form goes out of the window on days like Sunday. Local derbies are all about passion - whoever wants it, most will win it. It’s that simple.

Add the spice of former opposition players on both sides and this could be just one of several very interesting encounters this season.

We’ll be in our usual spot. This will - as always - be an absolute belter. Don’t miss it.