First team coach Paul Terry believes the fans can be the 12th man this weekend as Oldham Athletic take on local rivals Bury.
Terry was on press duties this week as manager Richie Wellens recovered from illness and he believes the supporters can make a huge difference this weekend.
He said: “The fans have been brilliant all season. Home and away they have been superb but you look at the last two away games especially, Blackburn and Scunthorpe, they have been the 12th man for us.
“They have been singing from the moment we go out to warm up to the final minute and it gives the players a lift knowing that the fans are there and right behind you.
“From the staff point of view, we can hear them the whole game and it gives everyone a lift so we appreciate their support and we need it until the end of the season.
“Let’s stick by the boys, get behind the team and hopefully we can get where we need to get.”
Over 2,200 fans, along with hundreds other paying on the day, will be in attendance at Gigg Lane and Terry predicts it will be a close encounter.
“We are expecting a team that are fighting for their lives but Ryan Lowe has gone in there and got a response from the players and got them playing well,” Terry commented.
“We think we have enough in our dressing room to counteract that and get the points we need.
“Preparations have been good. We trained Monday and Tuesday and had a reserve game for players to get more minutes and get them ready.
“We’re ready to get going today and tomorrow and put in the final bits getting ready for the game on Saturday.
“It’s a local derby and they are another team that are down there and been on a good run since Ryan Lowe took over but we are on a good run ourselves so we look forward to the challenge and it should be a good game.
“We know that if we play the right way then we can be a real match for any team in this league which we have proven throughout the season.”
Terry was brought into the club by manager Wellens and is thankful for the opportunity.
“It’s been challenging but I knew it would be,” he said. “We’ve got a great group of lads, the staff are good and despite what has gone on and results, we have kept spirits up.
“The gaffer has been fantastic with the players, staff and everyone. The important thing was to get everyone on side and get everyone playing the way that we know they can play.
“We got a response from every player and that has shown on the pitch.”