SCOTT Naylor believes tomorrow’s trip to Barrow Raiders is the perfect way for Oldham to kick off their preparations for the 2019 Betfred League One season.

The two sides have become regular pre-season opponents in the past few years, with the most recent matches finishing in a 22-22 draw in 2017 and a hard-fought 16-6 win for the Raiders last year.

The latter proved a particularly gruelling encounter for both teams, played in appalling wet and freezing-cold conditions, but Roughyeds head coach Naylor enjoys coming to Craven Park precisely because of the challenge which he knows awaits his side.

“Both physically and mentally, it’s always tough up there, but the lads have worked extremely hard in getting to this stage and now they can’t wait to get out on the field,” Naylor told Oldham’s official website.

“We know what to expect, having been to Barrow for our first run-out for the last three or four years.

“It’s never been anything but exceptionally tough both physically and mentally and this one is going to be no different.

“That’s the main reason I like going up there. It’s what you want when you’re getting ready for a new season.”

Oldham will be without new signing Emerson Whittel, who is unavailable, while Danny Bridge is suspended and several other squad members are injured.

But Whittel’s fellow newcomers Richie Hawkyard, Ben Calland, Scott Law, Aaron Jones-Bishop, Jamie Greenwod and Anthony Bowman are all expected to play.

“It’s a pity not all of the boys will be with us, but those who are playing can’t wait to get back into action again after all the hard work they’ve put in since we returned to training,” said Naylor.

“Most of Barrow’s win in the Championship last season were at home and they claimed some notable scalps from the upper end of the division.

“They see Craven Park as a fortress so we’ve got a tough job on, but the lads are all looking forward to it and are ready to go.”