IT WAS only a week ago that Oldham were looking nervously over their shoulders.

Now they are eyeing a return to the play-off mix to sum up the unpredictability of this topsy-turvy division.

Fifth a month ago, the Latics lost six out of seven to drop too close for comfort to the relegation picture.

Defeat to struggling Crewe last Saturday would have set the alarm bells clanging – instead a 1-0 victory followed up by a 3-0 thumping of local rivals Rochdale and Oldham are heading upwards once more.

They are timely results for Dean Holden, who has been given the manager’s job for the rest of the season after Lee Johnson and number two Tommy Wright jumped ship to join Barnsley.

Holden, who only returned to the club as first-team coach in November, is also relieved to see Oldham’s walking wounded back in contention. Skipper Liam Kelly, Joseph Mills and James Wilson are all training again after injuries.

Top scorer Jonathan Forte, who destroyed City in October, also ended a lengthy drought with a goal against Dale – his 15th of the season but only the second in his last 16 games.

Oldham have not won three in a row all season but hold the Indian sign over the Bantams.

Holden said: “We know what they are all about, getting it up to James Hanson and Jon Stead, if he plays, and then when it drops they do try and play.

“They have a very solid back four that has remained pretty much constant and have a lot of energy and aggression in the middle third.

“We know what we are up against. They have had a lot of hype this year, with the cup games, and a lot of people at this level know about them. The players will be fully aware of the challenge.

“I always loved playing there. We know the pitch isn't so good but at this level you don¹t get too many opportunities to play in really good stadiums and this is one of them.

“We will have a good following and with them all packed in together I am sure it will be a good atmosphere. I am looking forward to it.”