Latics make the short journey to Spotland to take on rivals Rochdale in Sky Bet League Two this weekend (3pm KO).
Last time out, Oldham’s Carabao Cup journey came to an abrupt end as Keith Curle’s men found themselves on the end of a 7-0 thrashing by Premier League side Brentford.
Ernie Cooksey Trophy
The match will also see both teams compete for the Ernie Cooksey Trophy.
It was reintroduced from the Rose Bowl for the pre-season friendly between the sides back in July 2019, which Rochdale won 3-2. This was made possible thanks to the Dale Supporters Trust and Oldham Athletic Supporters Foundation who came together to fund the new trophy.
Ernie was treated for skin cancer in 2006 but suffered a reoccurrence two years later and sadly passed away in the summer of 2008.
Playing for both during his career he proved to be an extremely popular figure with supporters. A Latics inspired England flag also still honours his name at different events all over the world representing Ernie and the club with pride.
Form Guide
Rochdale have made a good start to the League Two season following a relegation from the third-tier last term.
It was a shaky opening to the season as Dale went three without a win in the league, losing two of them.
Since, they have won three of their next five league games which has seen them rise up the table to eighth place, outside of the top seven just on goal difference and just three points away from the automatic places.
Similarly to Latics, Rochdale made it into the third round of the league cup before falling to defeat against Premier League opposition in the shape of Burnley.
Dale’s Last Six:
- Burnley 4-1 Rochdale (Carabao Cup)
- Mansfield Town 1-1 Rochdale
- Rochdale 1-0 Tranmere Rovers
- Port Vale 2-3 Rochdale
- Rochdale 4-0 Liverpool U21 (EFL Trophy)
- Rochdale 1-1 Colchester United
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 60
Latics wins: 23
Rochdale wins: 18
Draws: 19
Scored - 90
Conceded - 74
The last time that the two clubs met was in the Football League Trophy back in December 2018.
Oldham weren’t helped by the dismissal of Mohamed Maouche in the 51st minute and they ended up losing 2-0 with both goals coming in time added on at the end of the match.
The last time that Latics got the better of their local rivals was November 2017. In the first half goals from Cameron Dummigan and Matt Done saw them go in level at Boundary Park.
A quick-fire Eoin Doyle brace towards the end of the game saw Latics win all three points in League One.
Watch Out For
Danny Cashman’s goals have earned Dale four points in their previous two league games.
The forward netted the winner in their 1-0 win over Tranmere whilst his 50th minute strike at Mansfield put his side in front but they were unable to hang on.
He previously opened his Rochdale account in their 2-0 win over Shrewsbury in the League Cup Second Round.
Cashman arrived to Spotland this summer on loan from Coventry City. He had just departed Brighton and Hove Albion, where he had been part of the youth setup since 2012, where he captained their under 18 side.
The 20-year-old will be hoping to find the net for a third time in a row.
Stadium
Spotland Stadium (Crown Oil Arena)
Capacity: 10,000
Record attendance: 24,231 (vs. Notts County, 1949)
Opened: 1878
In The Dugout
Robbie Stockdale is the man in the dugout for the hosts.
This is the Redcar-born manager’s first permanent posting in football, but he has got caretaker experience at Grimsby Town and Sunderland.
The 41-year-old came through the ranks at Middlesbrough as a player and also turned out for Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United, Rotherham United, Hull City, Darlington, Tranmere Rovers and Grimsby.
He was also capped five times by the Scotland national team.
Match Officials
The man in the middle for the game is Will Finnie.
His last fixture in charge of Latics arrived in April 2021 as we won 4-1 away at Crawley Town and he handed out zero red cards as well as two yellow cards.
He's taken charge of seven games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 11 yellow cards and one red cards.
Finnie will be assisted by Simon Clayton and Helen Edwards, with Andy Haines the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Dale have been made 4/6 favourites to strengthen their place amongst the promotion hopefuls in the division.
Latics are 19/5 to pick up a much needed three points on the road whilst 11/4 is the price on offer for the draw.
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How To Follow The Game
Live commentary is available on iFollow Latics with Roy Butterworth and Michael Brown who will be talking you through the match with special guest Sam Hart.
Unfortunately an iFollow match pass stream isn't available in the UK due to the 3pm blackout from broadcasters.
For more information, visit the iFollow Latics page by clicking here.
Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC