LATICS are gearing up for a crucial run of games in their continued quest to reach League One safety.

Just six matches remain with Gillingham the visitors to Boundary Park on Saturday (3pm) followed by a mouthwatering derby showdown at Rochdale on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Athletic are three points clear of the trapdoor following Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Walsall. And manager Richie Wellens believes Athletic have it well within their grasp to survive a 21st consecutive season in the third tier — and then build towards bigger and bolder ambitions next season.

He told The Oldham Times: “Everbody says 50 points will be enough to stay up but I think this year it will be a little bit more.

“It’s in our hands, we have no excuses. We have six games left and Southend are the highest-placed team who we have to play.

“I want us to be on the front-foot in every single game. The sooner we’re safe, the better, because while it’s still uncertain, we can’t plan too much for next season with finances being a lot different in League Two as opposed to League One.”

Athletic now face a hectic period with a flurry of midweek fixtures as the end-of-season run-in gathers pace.

After Gillingham and Tuesday’s trip to Spotland, it’s AFC Wimbledon away on Saturday, April 21, followed by Southend (home, Tuesday, April 24) and Doncaster Rovers (home, Saturday, April 28) before rounding things off at Northampton on Saturday, May 5.

“We have a big few weeks to come. You can’t look too far ahead because so many things can change.

“Rochdale will be a big game for the fans because it’s a local derby but for us at this moment in time, it’s Gillingham on Saturday and that’s all that matters right now.”

Anthony Gerrard looks set to continue his partnership with George Edmundson at centre-back after making a surprise comeback on Wednesday.

Kean Bryan and Cameron Dummigan remain long-term absentees, Brian Wilson (groin) is doubtful along with Ryan McLaughlin, but fit-again Craig Davies is pushing for a start.

Rochdale tickets are now on general sale. Latics have been allocated 2,000 places in the Wilbutts Lane Stand with a view to a further allocation depending on sales. They are priced at £22 (adults), £16 (65+), £16 (under-21) and £5 (under-16).