With debts to the Revenue totalling £180,000, the situation is that Oldham must present an acceptable payment scheme and a business plan that will convince the tax men they will not run into more trouble further down the line.

Club officials met both Oldham Athletic and the Council early last week, asking for help and putting certain proposals to them. While the club awaits a response from the Council, Athletic have since reiterated what they said in a statement from director Ian Hill last month Ð they are not preparing to bail out the rugby club.

And as if they didn't have enough on their plates, finding a venue for their next three home games has become a saga in itself. Like Hornets, Oldham have been forced into a break from playing at home due to pitch repairs. After much speculation and an RFL rejection of Oldham RU's Manor Park, at least now Oldhamers can relax knowing that they'll be playing their next three games at Sedgley Park - home of the Swinton Lions (and some other club too, apparently).

Sedgley Park is now added to a litany of grounds at which Oldham have had to play "home" games since they formed the club in 1998. They have also played at Spotland (Rochdale), Hurst Cross (Ashton), Bower Fold (Stalybridge), Bloomfield Road (Blackpool) and Victory Park (Chorley). On the field, Gary Mercer has assessed the fitness of Jon Goddard and Gareth Barber this week and both should feature on Sunday. Also in line for a recall is Chris Hough.

While Oldham had a weekend off, a depleted Hornets were slugging out the National Cup game at Whitehaven. With eight regulars missing and only 16 fit players, Darren Shaw was press-ganged into getting his boots out of the loft. But despite the weakened team, Bobbie Goulding was still annoyed at Hornets cavalier attitude towards possession.

We managed only 43 per cent (completion) in the first, then 63 per cent in the second. It's better, but it's still not good enough. You have to go to Whitehaven, Hull KR and Castleford and achieve an 80 per cent plus completion. We averaged 53 per cent overall today which won't win you many matches.

It's something we have to work on continually, and we are getting there. The only injury of note at the Recre' was to Lee Doran who had his nose broken by a swinging arm. Unseen by the officials. Otherwise, the Bobster - and the Hornets faithful - will be hoping that this week has put several regulars back in contention.

There's no doubt that Hornets second-half performance showed that even a "thin" Hornets side can compete effectively with the best in this division - but we do need to switch on from the whistle.

As we've said here lots of times, Hornets/Oldham derbies defy form and logic. Oldham are desperately seeking the win that will kick-start their season; Hornets are looking to gain confidence and momentum. But it will ultimately come down to who wants it most. - and who makes the most of Sedgley's ludicrously big in-goals.

Get there early - it'll be a belter.