GEOFF Toovey believes fatigue could be a factor for Oldham tomorrow – but insists the Bulls won’t be relying on it.

The Roughyeds crashed to a home defeat to Dewsbury on Wednesday night to increase their relegation fears.

With this weekend’s Odsal clash coming just four days after that, the Bradford head coach admits tired legs could be a factor for the visitors.

Toovey said: “You can look at it two ways. I remember playing two games in a week. A couple of days after a game it’s not too bad, particularly if you win, but playing three or four days after can still take its toll on you.

“But we won’t be relying on that – we’ll have our players fired up.

“They got us in the last minute last time we played them, which was disappointing in itself, so we know they’re capable. And even though they played on Wednesday night I’m sure they’ll be buzzing once they get to Odsal."

Giving his take on Oldham, the head coach continued: “They’re a pretty good side. Scott Letherbarrow is their director of play and most things come off him, so he’s obviously one to watch.

“But they’re a fairly balanced side, a bit like ourselves, with no real standouts. They just work hard for each other, similar to Rochdale last week.

“So if you’re off your guard or you miss that tackle then you’re going to pay the price.”

Discussing the Bulls’ chances of clawing back some ground on their relegation rivals, Toovey said: “We’re not talking about relegation, we’re concentrating on individuals and our team doing their best.

“I’ve explained that to the players – all they can do is play as a team and play for themselves with regards to their futures, whether that’s here or somewhere else.

“They’ve got to put the hard work and hard yards in and that’s what they’ve been doing over the last week following our defeat at Rochdale. Hopefully, we’ve got enough to turn it around.”

He added: “My message to our fans is just to stick with us, to stay positive and to keep following the Bradford Bulls.

“We’ll turn things around – whether it be this week, next week or the week after.

“We’re working hard, putting our shoulders to the wheel and doing what we need to be the best we can be.”