Hemel latic

Agreed, as others have also said we're a couple of "gun" players short of being dead certs for the play offs.

I'm not getting too excited or upset about the defeat. I don't think there's much between teams in this division and @nzlatic has highlighted a couple of other occasions where we've disappointed after a big result - we get up for the big games and perhaps underestimate opposition lower down the league. Add in that we played Barnet away on Wednesday rather than Tuesday. Players will have got home in the early hours of Thursday morning so Thursday would have been a write off. Where there isn't much between teams that sort of thing can make a big difference, not surprising if our lot looked leggy after two big away performances. December looks like a big month, aren't they all? Four home games out of six, no midweek fixtures until the end of the month. This month could see us really make a move on the play offs, no excuses for inconsistency.

Hello Yan, Mat Hudson looks a very good keeper at this level, he got his chance due to an injury to first choice, Magnus Norman, and has kept his place. Excellent shot stopper, willing to come and collect high balls. The weakest part of his game is distribution and hopefully this will improve. He's been an excellent signing and suspect he could play at a higher level.

For sure, he probably wasn't able to train properly when he had the back issues, must have been really tough for him.

Shez asked him to play in that game because of injuries to other players, his back was clearly gone by that stage, poor lad could hardly move. He started 4 of our first 8 games before he was ruled out for the season. McGahey can play on the left where Raglan doesn't seem comfortable there. Small sample size but on the basis of the last two games McGahey is the best passer out of all our centre backs and that really adds to the team going forwards, he's a solid defender too.

This is a quicker turnaround than the Barnet game, less than 72 hours as opposed to 96+ hours. Green came in for Ward last night, wouldn't be surprised if it was Ward for Gardner on Saturday. Cliche, but it's a marathon not a sprint.

Great post, very well articulated. Barnet weren't chanceless yesterday and certainly carried a threat down our right until the tactical change, but generally we closed down much better and defended well as a team, we didn't see the oppo walking through us, or having easy long range pot shots. And it's a joy to see the passing through the lines and midfielders receiving the ball on the turn rather than with back to oppo goal. Loving seeing the partnerships developing: McGahey and Raglan Lundstram and Sheron Norwood and Fondop. Also love that Mellon has done this with the existing squad rather than ripping it all up and starting again.

Kitching, Green and Dickenson all on 4 bookings. Not sure at what stage of the season they're expunged, assume it's some point next month. It's a shame for Kitching because 2/4 were thoroughly undeserved.

They consistently manufactured a 3v2 overload down our right until the change in formation. So on reflection, perhaps the change should have been made far earlier but seems churlish to criticise given the result. Even taking into account the above Freeman had a difficult night, I thought he was blowing towards the end of the Woking game, I suspect he's not among the fitter members of the squad. Defended poorly even in trying circumstances. Tbf Stead and Kanu are impressive players and one, or even both, would get into our first XI.

This for me as well, great substitution. Freeman was having a mare although the formation didn't help him. Backed up the win on Saturday, Barnet's defence seeing Mikey Fondop and Norwood in their nightmares tonight. Super Oldham.

I'm hoping we're less likely to a dip in the performance (see Fylde) given the quality of the opposition. Wonder if we might see some rotation in the wide players given Ward just back from injury and Gardner needs managing, Hope he sticks with the partnerships in defence and attack although there may be an argument for playing some variant of 451 tonight. Looking forward to the game, hope we back up Saturday's performance.

I noticed that too. There's half a season to go but Kevin Maher must be a contender for Manager of the Year on the back of what he's achieved with that tiny squad.

It's only one game. Would like to see us back up a good performance from Saturday and show some consistency but need to bear in mind Barnet will provide far tougher opposition. Notwithstanding two defeats on the bounce their home record is W7 D2 L1. We may have to rest Danny Gardener who suddenly has become one of our most important players. The squad is looking a bit thin with a number of injuries. I would settle for an an encouraging performance regardless of the result given we're playing 2nd in the league away from home.

Players should be coached in influencing officials. Whining, moaning, swearing, shouting - it doesn't work when it's employed consistently throughout the 90 minutes. I've seen it mentioned on twitter but the ref for our game on Saturday was excellent, wish we could have him every week.

Fair point, best chance of returning to Wembley in a cup competition.

Have an ex-Oldham player, Marcus Barnes.

Mmmm, top of Southern League Premier Central Division. "No pushovers".

Not for me. We haven't won anything in 30 years, I'd like to see us take the competition seriously, has to be our best ever chance of getting to Wembley in a cup competition. Use the squad but play a strong team, winning is a mentality, let's all have a day out at Wembley, we deserve it.

@daniel I think we may have been stood either side of the father and son Ipswich fans, always interesting to get a neutral perspective.

I've got the same 4 stand out players in my imaginary notebook.

Kofi Moore and Jake Forshaw on loan to Guiseley for the remainder of the season.

I think that's about right. Need 15-18 points out of the next 24 if we're to move into promotion contention.

Really good interview with the Youth Team manager, next game at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday 21 November. https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/2023/november/15112023-chuks-youth-team-update/

As @oafc1955 said, it's below the National Minimum Wage which somewhat undermines the credibility.

Was on the bench for Workington at the weekend.