Oldham face a quick turnaround at Boundary Park when they host fellow promotion hopefuls Bromley in National League action in midweek.
A toughly fought 1-1 draw with Southend United three days ago must be quickly put in the rear view with a huge test set to follow with second placed Bromley in town.
It will see Latics take on successive home fixtures for the first time since late January, whilst improvement on their turf will be necessary with the playoff race still well in play as the National League heads into the final ten games of the season.
Oldham have taken just 24 points from 18 games played at Boundary Park this campaign, having just secured one win in their last four there. Meanwhile the return of talisman James Norwood will be a big boost for manager Micky Mellon.
A statement victory could see his side up to fourth leaving Latics just five points adrift of their upcoming opposition, with the run-in now well and truly underway.
The Opposition
Corey Whitely’s terrific brace at the weekend secured a vital win for a Bromley side who have stuttered since the turn of the new year. It was just their second win of 2024, after a thrilling 4-3 triumph over champions elect Chesterfield in mid-February.
The win over Halifax Town saw a swift recovery from their loss at Eastleigh a week ago, which was a part of a drop in form particularly in their last eight.
A fall from their points average this season of 1.81 to 1.13 establishes their recent rut, whilst their form on the road doesn’t make for good reading. Winless away since a 3-2 win at Ebbsfleet in December, there is work to do to make sure of an automatic playoff spot.
It was also the last time Bromley saw successive league wins, with a chance to do so once more at Oldham. Their trip to Boundary Park also could see Bromley extend their recent success against the Athletic, currently unbeaten in their last three.
A win meanwhile would see their lead over Latics extend to 11 points, making chances of a secure spot in the playoffs high ahead of an important period.
Key Threat
It might be a shock to not see Michael Cheek’s name at the top of the danger list, whilst his 18 league goals are impressive, his strike partner has made the necessary sacrifices to form a deadly duo from the front.
Olufela Olomola’s production has taken a hit, particularly in this recent stretch where he has gone without a goal in eight but his general impact on Bromley’s performances has been evident to see.
His nine goals in 18 starts still makes for a good return, and whilst his last came in the win at Ebbsfleet United, his strike and performance in that game highlighted so much of his quality and technical prowess when he is at his best.
The spin to create the opening was sublime, distinguishing his ability to use his body so well to protect the ball, before firing into the far corner to all but seal the three points. Olomola may not be in his best form, but that goal certainly showed his class.
And whilst he may not get the plaudits of his prolific strike partner, Olomola will provide Latics with a different threat to occupy in what will be a tense affair at Boundary Park.
In the dugout
Now approaching the three-year mark at Hayes Lane, Andy Woodman aims to return his side to their best ahead of this final stretch in the hot seat, though he has not always had this responsibility during his career.
Woodman has for much of his career been a goalkeeping coach, taking on the role at West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace whilst his only managerial capacity prior to Bromley came in a brief period at Whitehawk, where he helped the club to safety in the National League South in the 2016/17 season.
His 144 games in charge so far at Bromley has seen two playoff appearances, the first almost immediately following his arrival at the club. A late push into the playoff spots was a welcomed sight for the Bromley faithful despite early defeat at the end of 20/21.
A more disappointing campaign that followed was quickly forgotten last season where the club secured playoff football, this time going a step closer though losing out in the semi-final to Chesterfield.
The hunger to make it to the EFL will only grow for a side who have missed out for 130 years, whilst Woodman will hope their nine-year stay in the National League will come to a celebratory end with promotion this season.
Match Details
The referee is set to be Michael Barlow, along with assistants Matt Archibald and Micheal Johnson. The fourth official will be Gareth Thomas.
Match coverage and information
Live audio commentary is available on Latics Player, guiding you through the match.
For more information, visit the Latics Player page by clicking here.
Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC
As this game is not being played within the blocked broadcast hours stipulated by UEFA, live streaming will be available through National League TV for supporters in the UK and overseas.
Matchday passes are available for £9.50, with further details here.
As always, we will endeavour to ensure confirmation of the line-up is published as soon as possible on social media.
However, supporters should note that team sheets in the National League are not exchanged until an hour before kick-off. This is 15 minutes later than in the EFL and as a result, the line-up is likely to be published slightly later than in previous seasons.
