Heys have come out on top in both those games winning the League fixture 4-1 and then coming from behind, only three weeks ago, in the Trophy game to triumph 4-3 in extra time.

Jeff Kavanagh will be looking for his team to make it a hat-trick of successes and ensure his side go into the New Year with their lead at the top intact.

Draws in each of the last two league games have allowed some of the chasing pack to close the gap at the top but Heys still remain in the driving seat.

However, they will be wary that any slips in the coming games could well undo their hard work thus far.

Royton go into the game in sixth place, on the back of a home defeat to second placed Wythenshawe Amateurs. Indeed their home form is what has let them down this season with only one win on the 3G at Oldham Academy.

Thirteen of their seventeen points have come in eight away games, a warning for Heys to be on their mettle and avoid providing an early Xmas present for the Oldham side and the other title hopefuls.