Survival in sight as run in begins

Sheridan made clear the role Oldham’s fans played in their success

Oldham visit promotion-chasing Port Vale this weekend as the relegation scrap enters its final stages.

After six consecutive losses, it felt like the John Sheridan renaissance was well and truly over, but two wins from two have breathed life into Oldham’s survival bid once again.  

Latics do remain as one of three credible candidates to join Scunthorpe in falling out of the EFL into non-league football, even after their upturn in form.

They have 37 points, as do Barrow, whilst Stevenage - who Oldham overcame last Saturday - trail with 34. The bad news is that both Barrow and Stevenage still have a game in hand on Sheridan’s men.

The weekend's opponents have had an excellent season under Darrell Clarke, sitting within the automatic promotion spots in third place.

Ex-Manchester United forward James Wilson leads the way for goals on 11 in all competitions - alongside midfielder Ben Garrity.

Speaking after last week’s game, the Latics manager was thankful for a sudden turn of fortune.

He said: “I don't want to take the gloss off but I thought we were very, very lucky. When we've had to defend to be fair we've made some great blocks but the thing is you get the goal so it gives us something to build on.

"We started the game poorly. But three points is all I'm worried about.”

As always, Sheridan made clear the role Oldham’s fans played in their success.

"I'm just so, so pleased we've won it for the magnificent support we've had again all day.

“But I really do wish we would just take care of the ball and believe in ourselves a bit more because we make so many little basic errors to allow the opposition to get attempts at goal or create opportunities.”

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