Bristol Rovers v Oldham Athletic - Confidence

Well, following the midweek postponement of the Bournemouth game, Rovers find themselves in the same position as they were when I blogged on Tuesday - rooted to the foot of the table.

I suggested in that post that a win against Bournemouth might well give the players the confidence boost they needed and kick start the side's road to recovery. Well that obviously didn't happen, but then again, they aren't any worse off either.

I head off back to the Memorial Ground tomorrow though expecting to see another tough ask for the Rovers lads.

Oldham might not be second in League One like the Cherries are, but they are one place below the play-off spots and so the carrot of promotion is still there. However, they lost their last game at home to Carlislie, have drawn four from the last six games and won only one ( 4-0 home romp against Hartlepool on the first day of this month). I wonder then if there is a chink of light here for Rovers and whether, by catching the Latics during what they consider their own little wobble, they can get things back on track.

Rovers boss Dave Penney has brought in two more players this week to bolster his squad; defensive free agent Danny Senda, 28, and 24 year old Irish keeper Conrad Logan.

Penney is obviously very aware of the deepening trouble his side find themselves in and has said:

"They are all massive games now and we are fully aware we have not picked points up in the last few games. If we are going to get out of the situation we are in, we are going to have to start picking up points in every game – and, hopefully, three in most games. It is important we stop our losing streak and get some momentum going the other way.

"Is it pressure? Is it nervousness? If it is, we need them to get it out of their system and be more relaxed. If they are too relaxed, we need to get them up for it more. Whatever it is, we have to try and stop making the basic errors which are taking their toll week-in, week-out."

Penney must be relieved to hear that Chris Lines is available after injury to pull the strings from midfield and that striker Will Hoskins confidence doesn't seem to have been dented as without his eighteen goals they would arguably be dead and buried.

Oldham visit the Mem with a new face in their ranks. West Brom midfield loanee Sam Mantom, who is 19 on Sunday, will go straight into the squad while fellow midfielder Dale Stephens looks likely to have recovered from a virus that has kept him out of the last two games.

Latics chief Paul Dickov was delighted with the Mantom and said:

"He is a box-to-box midfield player, very good technically and also on the ball. West Brom think highly of Sam and are keen for him to come out on loan and to play games. We are always looking to bring in young, hungry players and Sam comes into that category and he will be an asset during the month he is with us.”

Mantom is obviously chuffed with the opportunity and revealed:

“I only received a call yesterday asking whether I would be interested in a loan move to Oldham which is a good club and well placed in League One. I went to Tranmere earlier in the season in the hope of playing some games, but managed only two because of the bad weather which killed that move. This is a great chance to come here and get some games under my belt and hopefully go back to West Brom a better player.”

I was surprised to see Oldham seventh and thought we have a chance of the play offs and I could be going to Old Trafford should I stay and we reach the final. I think West Brom are keen for the loan to be extended so hopefully I may be here for the rest of the season so I can show what I can do - score and create goals.”