Mayfield preview

Rochdale Mayfield will hope to field three teams this weekend with the A team and the newly formed Academy side in action for the first time this season.

After their poor start to the campaign, Mayfield NCL travel to Ovenden hoping to gain their first win. Ovenden like Mayfield have lost both their opening games so they too will be out to change their luck.

Sam Butterworth’s side have yet to live up to their potential having trained hard through the pre season, they have been left feeling disappointed with the way they have performed in the opening fixtures. However, Butterworth is confident that things will start to go his way `with players coming back into the team and training continuing to go well it’s just a matter of time before we hit form. We have some quality players in the squad and lads who are getting back from injury.

Sam said: "We just haven’t bossed the middle of the park yet and when we do the rest will follow. Like last season our forwards are still dominating the opposition and the backs are all playing well as individuals so in all honesty we are not far off. All being well I am confident we get it right."

The A team begin the season in the newly formed NCL alliance with a short trip down the road to Oldham where they take on old rivals Oldham St Annes. There have been big changes in the closed season for Leon Ashworths side with new signings and last years under 18’s coming through to join his experienced players.

"With so many new players it’s been tough going at training but we have worked hard and the lads have been a credit, both to themselves and the club. St Annes away is always a tough game but these are the games you want to be involved in both as a player and a coach so we are raring to go this afternoon and look forward to the challenge."

The Alliance side are also ready for their first outing. Alliance coach Chris Brett is still looking for more players for the team. "We have a good blend of youth and experience at the moment but still need more players to make the venture viable anyone interested should come down this afternoon or ring Curly on 07922517135 or Simon on 07920865106."

The opponents at the Mayfield Sports Centre are Higginshaw from Oldham.