The success of Tuesday nights 2-0 win over Tranmere Rovers cannot be overstated. It was Pete Wild's second game in command after taking over as head coach after Paul Scholes had walked out on the club. His first game was a 2-0 victory over Grimsby Town last Saturday and Tuesday's victory gave the Latics fans hope for the future. Probably the best review was the unbiased opinion of Football League World who issued the following:
The course of a season never runs smoothly, with in form teams suddenly dropping points at the vital moment and, as a season draws to a close, the unlikeliest of sides having a big say in the promotion picture. Last night, Oldham Athletic were the unlikely side and Tranmere Rovers the in form team slain by a lower opponent. Oldham have had a torrid season, flirting with mid table mediocrity all campaign and getting through managers like nobodies business. Pete Wild is their third permanent boss of the season, but he also had a temporary stint in charge before Paul Scholes took over. On paper, this looked to be a gimme for Rovers. They’d won seven on the spin and were unbeaten in nine, whilst Oldham had won one in seven.
After 90 minutes of action, Callum Lang’s brace had given the Latics a 2-0 win and brief hope of a renewed push for a top seven finish. The win puts them on 54 points, seven shy of Exeter City. It’s a big ask, but with a game in hand on two of the five sides above them, you never know. With Swindon, Exeter and Newport all left to play, it’s in their hands. Just. Two wins from two is impressive, even if they were home matches. That’s two clean sheets too, one against the best striker in the division. New manager bounce? Maybe, but he’s doing a decent job. They’re an organised and effective unit. They looked good last night, playing some nice football and keeping it tight at the back. For a so-called club in crisis, they looked very competent. They’ve been on the cusp of being a good side all season, but have been let down by that little bit of quality. There’s plenty to look forward to next season.