Jonathan Forte scored a second-half penalty to take his tally for the season to 13, and to add gloss to the 3-0 score line as Oldham brushed aside north Manchester rivals Rochdale.

Dale picked up an impressive point when drawing 2-2 at Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday but have been plagued by suspensions and injuries to key first team players in recent weeks.

Johnson’s side have responded well after losing their 13-game unbeaten run to Bristol City two weeks ago, with a win over Leyton Orient and a hard-earned point at home to Crawley Town as they prepare to face Sheffield United.

Johnson described the build-up to Crawley’s equaliser as a ‘comedy of errors’ from his team and the overall performance as a ‘bit flat’ after the 1-1 draw.

The Latics have lost just once in their last fifteen fixtures in all competitions, and face Crawley Town on Saturday who have won just once in the last seven.

Mike Jones’ first-half free-kick was the only goal of the FA Cup first round game as Leyton Orient wasted chances before captain Nathan Clarke had a second-half goal disallowed for pushing.

Oldham’s impressive run briefly took them into the League One play-off places, a feat they hadn’t managed since the opening weekend of last season, before defeat to Bristol City on Saturday.

The Latics have gone 13 games unbeaten in all competitions but face their sternest test of the season when they travel to Ashton Gate to take on the might of Bristol City.

Oldham are League One’s in-form side, having gone unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions and Johnson and his team’s hard work and respect for their opponents have been vital in continuing this run

Johnson says singing fans can make the difference in Tuesday’s visit from Coventry City as the League One side look to stretch their 11-match unbeaten run.

Jonathan Forte’s eighth goal of the season from the penalty spot gave Oldham the lead just after half time until Chesterfield’s Sam Clucas levelled just before the hour mark