Vital victory has fans 'Singing the Blues'

MAIN STAND supporters soak up the atmosphere at Oldham Athletic

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JOHN Sheridan's blue and white army swelled in ranks as the Oldham fans answered the call to arms last night.

The 7,224 attendance (442 from visiting Peterborough) was more than double what the club would have probably expected in the current climate of a struggling team playing a midweek game in January.

And the "free entry for all" offer was declared a success by chief executive Mark Moisley after the team responded by claiming three crucial points with a 2-0 win to boost their hopes avoiding relegation to League Two.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they dominated the second half after an opening 45 minutes that was poor in quality and gave the large crowd little opportunity to warm their cold hands.

That all changed after the break and to hear the ground fill with the familiar chants of "Singing the Blues" and "Super Oldham" must have been music to the hears of all connected with the beleaguered club.

Man of the match Anthony Gerrard admitted that the large crowd spurred the players on while Moisley believes that the club has to do all it can both on and off the pitch to get the results it craves.

"Hopefully this win will have a positive effect. We have some big home matches coming up and if a large percentage of those who came tonight return we can keep this going," said Moisley.

"It is all about momentum. That is two home games under John Sheridan's management and two home wins. We have to look to build on that."

The PA system announced five minutes before the game that all tickets had been distributed and that only fans with tickets would gain entry. It was believed most if not all of those who wanted to see the game did so.