Oldham return on the road in the National League as they make the 230-mile trip to face Aldershot Town at the weekend.
A 0-0 stalemate in midweek with promotion rivals Bromley at Boundary Park secured another point in a scrappy affair, whilst it saw Latics climb to fifth in the standings.
It also meant Oldham are now unbeaten in their last three and have only lost once in their last eight fixtures whilst their resolute defensive display four days ago saw a clean sheet for the first time in seven.
Micky Mellon’s side are set to visit one of the best sides in the National League at home, though the Athletic can boast about an excellent away record and are unbeaten in nine on the road.
The upcoming fixture could also mark a bit of history for Latics. Avoiding defeat Oldham could go ten games unbeaten away from home for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign.
The Opposition
Aldershot meanwhile secured an important three points seven days ago following a 2-1 win at Oxford City, after they had previously succumbed to a 4-1 loss at Southend United.
It marked their third win in their last five, a first away in that run though they are set to welcome Oldham for their fourth home game in six.
The Shots’ 35 points gained at the Recreation Ground reads well, ranking fourth across sides in the National League whilst they have lost just twice in their last ten there, though recent form may read for even better viewing if you are an Aldershot fan, 16 points from their last eight is only bettered by Ebbsfleet United (17).
Though boss Tommy Widdrington may want to address the defensive issues, despite their excellent attacking play. Aldershot have conceded 67 times this campaign, only Eastleigh and Oxford have let in more.
Improving their record against Latics will also be on the agenda, having gone winless in their last three (D1 L2), including the 5-1 defeat earlier in the season.
Key Threat
Aldershot hold a real X-factor in their ranks, some could argue a complete centre-forward in Lorent Tolaj whilst that cannot be said for many in that position in world football.
His excellent performance last weekend at Oxford was just the latest showcase for his all-round package, his anticipation and timing were on cue to tap home the opener at Court Place Farm.
Not to mention his physicality and ability to hold play, whilst the Swiss forward has the capacity drop in and affect the game on the half-turn, Tolaj really has the lot, as well as a record that speaks for itself.
His 22 goals this season confirms how prolific he has been in front of goal, six in his last nine appearances proves his consistency whilst his predatory nature in the box gives him the edge over a lot of number nines in the league.
Tolaj’s want to score goals and be in the box makes him so dangerous. His razor-sharp reactions to tap home against Altrincham there to see, though it's his presence combined with his movement that make him such a threat.
In the dugout
Widdrington’s 46 games in charge so far at the Recreation Ground have been impressive since his move almost a year ago now, though it was a tough beginning.
His arrival came at a time where the club were battling for survival in the National League, though he seemed to come at a prudent time, boosting Aldershot to survival, finishing the season six unbeaten.
His time at King’s Lynn previously saw a similar pattern, joining the club midway through the 21/22 season in the National League though unable to secure a spot in the division.
It was followed by a terrific campaign in the National League North, though they narrowly missed out on the title by two points. It ended in heartbreak in the end, King’s Lynn were knocked out of the playoffs by eventual winners Kidderminster in the Semi-Final.
His second full season with Aldershot meanwhile has seen his side take gigantic leaps in such a short period, whilst Widdrington has led the Shots in the race for the playoffs.
And if Widdrington were to lead Aldershot to those playoff spots, it would mark a remarkable turnaround.
Match Details
The referee will be Aaron Bannister, alongside assistants Ciaran Fidler and Laurentiu Hantea. The fourth official will be Tom Ellsmore.
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 being played within the blocked broadcast hours stipulated by UEFA, live streaming will not be available through National League TV for supporters in the UK. The game will be available 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.
However, supporters should note that team sheets in the National League are exchanged 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.
