Oldham in danger again as Swindon visit

“At the minute, we’ve got too many people involved in the build-up, not the end product.”

Lactics risk again falling into the drop zone with a difficult fixture this afternoon, as Ben Garner’s Swindon come to town.

Despite losing to Bradford last week, the visitors hover on the fringes of the playoffs - sitting in 7th with almost a third of the season gone and will present a major challenge for Keith Curle’s side.

Last week's goalless draw at Brunton Park against Carlise was a return to the impressive defensive form Oldham had been building before they leaked three against Walsall, but it was also a return to their misfiring in front of goal.

Curle, pleased with his side’s burgeoning robustness, said: “As a foundation if you don’t win you don’t get beat.

“Five clean sheets out of seven games so from that point of view a credible point away from home.”

But he recognised more was needed at the other end of the pitch.

He said: “At the minute, we’ve got too many people involved in the build-up, not the end product.”

In other news, young Latics wriggled through into the second round of the FA Youth Cup after a blistering game against Carlisle had to be decided with spot kicks in the week.

Adorning their bright tangerine kit, Selim Benachour’s side - featuring occasional first teamer and bright spark Harry Vaughan, played out a 4-4 draw with Carlise.

In a topsy turvy encounter, that saw Oldham snatch an equaliser in the dying breaths of the 90 only for Carlise to do the same in extra time, penalties were eventually required to separate the teams, and ended 3-5.

Additionally, Oldham’s second, stricter transfer embargo - that would have prevented them from making any signings of any kind in January, has been lifted after various unpaid debts were settled.

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