PEP HAPPY WITH GIFT OF THE GAB

OLDHAM will find out tomorrow who they will face in next week’s Betfred League 1 promotion final.

Newcastle and Doncaster will fight it out for the right to take on Roughyeds at the Vestacare Stadium, while Scott Naylor’s side enjoy an extra weekend to rest and recuperate ahead of the crucial play-off final.

Whoever the opposition, Oldham will be confident of securing a result in what will be the club’s final match under Naylor, who is leaving at the end of the year after seven seasons in charge.

Roughyeds ran out 28-20 winners at home to Newcastle last month and have since recorded two victories over Doncaster, winning 40-14 in the league before a 22-12 result in last week’s play-off. That match was Oldham’s 10th win in their last 11 matches and was typified by a strong defensive effort.

“It was a great performance,” said Naylor. “We were top-class defensively and we did the little things that make all the difference - the one per cent things - really well.

“It was close to the complete performance. We’re coming good at the right time, but there’s still some improvement in us. I’m just made up for the lads. They’re excited about appearing in a final and they certainly deserve to be there.

“They’re already talking about it. It’s good for the club too.”

Tickets are on sale now for the promotion final at the Vestacare Stadium, with season ticket holders able to reserve their usual seats as long as they do so before 6pm on Wednesday.