‘Lots going on’ at The Shay as Halifax Panthers look to make it three wins in a row against Oldham

Fax enter the contest on the back two great victories at home to North Wales Crusaders and away at fellow reformed outfit Salford RLFC, and will have had 16 days since then to prepare for the visit of Oldham.

During that time the club hosted a fans’ forum at The Shay with attendees able to ask questions to the new board, with director Adam Butterfield praising match day host Sam Rennie’s “brilliant” actions after a supporter was taken ill during the evening.

The club has also been busy preparing the launch of Hilda’s Lager, in memory of Hilda Hardy who sadly passed away last year and was a tremendous servant to Fax across seven decades. The special drink will be available throughout the stadium on Sunday.

This weekend’s game will also see some junior teams from King Cross, Siddal and Elland take to The Shay turf for some half-time entertainment, whilst there will also be free face painting and live music behind the South Stand.

After the game there will be some entertainment from Kieran Duffy and Chris Nichols in the banqueting suite.

Butterfield told the Courier: “We have had lots going on. The rest will have been good as we had a few knocks on the body. On the pitch, the lads will be going hell for leather to hopefully get the two points.

“We will 100 per cent be going for a third consecutive win. If we can keep Oldham in their own half we should be alright. They have got some good attacking threat if they get into our 20 who could punish us.

“It is all about our D, and Kyle (Eastmond, head coach) is working a lot with the lads on our defence. We are just wanting a great atmosphere and loads of people to come and support the lads.”

A few more loanings are expected to be available for Eastmond against an Oldham side which has won their past four Championship games.