Oldham Athletic boss Dean Holden has highlighted the importance of his side's clash against rivals Rochdale in Sky Bet League 1 tonight.
The former defender appeared for both clubs during his playing career and is now in charge of the Latics, who ended a run of three defeats by seeing off Crewe Alexandra 1-0 at the weekend with Conor Wilkinson netting the match-winner.The result left them 13th in the League 1 standings, seven points above the drop and seven points adrift of the Play-Off places.
Holden told Oldham's official website: “When I was at Rochdale, Oldham came and filled one side of the ground and it was a great atmosphere. It was probably the one that stands out the most for me.
"It is important that the players are aware of how important it is. Players come in on loan from different clubs and it is important they have a touch of history with the club and they realise what a big game it is. Our motivation will be to continue Saturday's result and make sure we take it forwards now.
"There is a real sense of optimism around again and hopefully there will be a few more supporters turn up on the back of a good win on Saturday. It will be a good atmosphere and Rochdale will bring a good following as well so it's one that we are all looking forward to.
"We have had one good result and we aren't getting carried away but we know what another three points can do for our season.”
Rochdale have won four of their last five and another three points for them this evening would take them into the Play-Off places, due to their superior goal difference over sixth-placed Peterborough United.
However, the visiting Dale have only got the better of the Latics twice over their last 13 league meetings, going back to the early 1960s, and lost the reverse encounter 3-0.
Find out if they can turn that poor run against their rivals around by following our goal updates on Twitter, via @SkyBetLeague1.