Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson believes his side are close to confirming their place in League One next season… if they can maintain their focus following a 13-day break before Easter.
Jonson Clarke-Harris scored twice after James Wesolowski’s opener at Bradford City on the weekend to extend Oldham’s unbeaten run to five games and keep themselves four points clear of the drop zone.
The 3-2 victory meant Oldham remained unbeaten at Bradford since September 1988 but was more vital because their relegation rivals Carlisle, Crewe, Shrewsbury and Tranmere also won on Saturday.
“We’re without a game for 13 days, what we didn’t want was to be in the relegation zone the next time we played, on Good Friday,” said Johnson.
“I think we’ll need another four points to make sure of survival.”
Johnson said he was confident of survival, with his team playing well and the team’s fans right behind them – 1,322 travelled to Bradford to lend support to their side.
However, he warned against complacency.
“We have to stay focused, as there’s a very important five games coming up.
“We’ve got to stay concentrated because we know nothing is done yet.
“The lads now want to stay unbeaten until the end of the season and that’s the challenge.”
He also had praise for his 19-year-old striker Clarke-Harris.
“I’m pleased for Jonno,” he said. “He’s worked hard over the last couple of games without getting a goal but today he has two so I’m delighted for him.
“If he keeps himself grounded, he can be anything he wants to be.”
Oldham now have over a week until their trip to Colchester United on Friday April 18 before a clash with Coventry three days later, but you can guarantee that Johnson will not be allowing them to rest up just yet.
Image courtesy of Official OAFC via YouTube, with thanks.
