As Latics prepare for tomorrow's opening home game of the season in npower League One, manager Paul Dickov is looking for his team to tighten its defence.

The only dampener for Dickov in the first two matches of the campaign has been the three goals conceded.

Latics let in a late goal at Tranmere then two more in the Carling Cup defeat at Scunthorpe in midweek.

Dickov said: "I have looked at the DVD's for both matches and have been absolutely delighted with everything other than the silly goals we have conceded.

"We have played two games and been the best team in both of them, but have to cut out giving away soft goals.

"We have scored three goals, conceded three, won one game and lost one when we should have won two, scored three and conceded zero."

Dickov added he is pleased with the positive reaction from the players after the midweek cup defeat.

"The boys have been bright in training and we are looking forward to what should be a cracking game," he explained.

Dickov, who comes up against his former Blackburn team mate Craig Short in a managerial head-to-head, is anticipating a tough battle. The pair have already been involved in some pre-match banter by text.

He said: "Craig is a great guy and one of the best I have met in my 21 years in professional football.

"I have played alongside and against him and I find it bizarre that his first away league game as a manager is my first home one."

Notts County made a horrendous start losing 3-0 at home to Huddersfield last Saturday, but Short received a positive reaction in midweek when they won 1-0 at Plymouth in the Carling Cup.

There will be added spice tomorrow as Latics welcome back three old boys who are now flying the colours of the Magpies.

Lee Hughes, who scoredd 25 goals in 55 appearances for Latics between 2007/09. will be back and looking to open his scoring account. He found the net 33 times in County's promotion-winning side of 2009/10.

Also returning to Boundary Park will be defender John Thompson and striker Ben Burgess who had a loan spell with Latics in 2002/03.