The Adver's guide to Swindon Town's next opponents in League One - Oldham Athletic.

THE CHALKBOARD

IF GOALS are what you crave, then Oldham Athletic haven’t have been the team to satisfy that appetite so far this season.

At the back, Steve Robinson’s side have constructed a defensive record to be proud of – no team in England’s top four divisions have kept more clean sheets.

Only Brighton and Hove Albion can match the Latics’ five shut-outs but just because the Greater Manchester outfit have been shining at one end, don’t think that means things are rosy at the other.

Robinson’s men have mustered just four league goals so far this term and 10 in all competitions.

Given their impressive record, Oldham will be a tough nut to crack when Town visit but the odds are stacked against it being a thriller at Boundary Park.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:
Oldham boss Steve Robinson

LIKELY LINE-UP

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

MAN IN FORM: Peter Clarke

OLDHAM have stood out for their defensive prowess in the early throes of the season and one summer signing has been at the heart of their success in keeping their own goal unbreached.

After single-season stays at Blackpool and Bury, experienced central defender Peter Clarke opted for a third club in the North West in as many years when joining the Latics in July.

The 34-year-old was soon installed as captain at Boundary Park and has played a key role in leading one of the most resolute defences in the land.

In August, Oldham manager Steve Robinson quipped that ‘people at his club’ didn’t want him to sign Clarke.

That comment came straight after a Checkatrade Trophy clash with League Two Carlisle United – Clarke didn’t feature and Oldham were beaten 5-4.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:
Peter Clarke

TREATMENT ROOM

WHILE Town look set to arrive at Boundary Park without the likes of Michael Doughty and Bradley Barry, as well as long-term absentees Jamie Sendles-White and Jordan Stewart, Oldham will have a fully-fit squad to choose from.

The Latics’ reserve side drew 2-2 with Carlisle United on Tuesday night and both winger Ryan McLaughlin and full-back Jamie Reckord got 90 minutes under their belts to push both into contention to face Luke Williams’ men on Saturday.

McLaughlin, who was released by Liverpool this summer, has seen his young career hampered by a host of injuries, while Reckord is on the way back from hip and groin problems and has only featured twice so far this season.

Full-back Reckord, 24, had a brief spell on loan at the County Ground back in 2014.

Tuesday’s reserve clash did throw up one injury scare as Darius Osei picked up a knock but the frontman is expected to be fit for this weekend.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:
Former Town man Jamie Reckford

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Sat, Sept 17 - SkyBet League One - 0-0 Draw v Coventry (A)

Sat, Mar 10 - SkyBet League One - 0-0 Draw v Chesterfield (H)

Sat, Sept 3 - SkyBet League One - 3-2 Loss v Shrewsbury (H)

Tues, Aug 30 - EFL Trophy - 5-4 Loss v Carlisle (H)

Sat, Aug 27 - SkyBet League One - 1-1 Draw v Bradford (A)

GOALSCORERS

Josh Law 2; Peter Clarke 1; Lee Erwin 1

DISCIPLINE

Ousmane Fane 3Y, 1R; Josh Law 3Y, 1R; Peter Clarke 6Y

THE STAT

Town’s last win at Boundary Park, courtesy of Raffaele De Vita’s double in December 2012 was also watched by the lowest attendance in this fixture’s history - 3,345.