Oldham Athletic’s attention turns back to the pitch tomorrow with the visit of Doncaster Rovers as the Latics look to start afresh after a torrid end to 2014.
Oldham beat former manager Paul Dickov’s side 2-0 in August, but last month a late George Elokobi own goal ensured Rovers’ passage to the third round of the FA Cup at Oldham’s expense.
Manager Lee Johnson expects this week’s developments in the Ched Evans saga will not deter fans from getting behind his team.
“We always need the fans and they are always with us,” he said.
“I have no doubt in my mind that our fans will be 100% behind us like they are always.”
Their opponents have lost just one of the last seven league matches, and pulled off an impressive away win against table topping Swindon in that period.
“Doncaster are flying at the moment but we have good players at the club and they will get it. We played well at Crewe but didn’t get the result. I have to stay calm and positive because it is all to play for, so let’s go and do it,” said Johnson.
“They are on a really good run and on a really good run. It will be an interesting game. They have beaten us already this season but we beat them earlier in the season so it will be a good game.”
Although just one place separates the sides in the table, Oldham’s recent form is in stark contrast to Rovers’.
The Latics have picked up just five points from a possible 21 since November and endured humiliating defeats to Yeovil Town and MK Dons before Christmas.
But Johnson remains optimistic his side can turn things around and are in a good position to do so having not played since Boxing Day.
“We are well rested after our 12 days off and we have judged it really well in training,” he said.
“We have hit the ones with a bit extra which was needed to get back up to speed with the others and the ones that have had a lot of games were given a rest. We are looking forward to the game.
“We have 24 games left this season and we want to try and achieve something this season and we feel we can.”
Main image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
