JOHN Sheridan said he was pleased his side could cap a memorable day for Oldham Athletic with a win.

The first home game of the new season began with a procession of well over 1,000 supporters, led by new chairman Frank Rothwell, wife Judith, son Luke and daughter Sue Schofield following the family's takeover, alongside new chief executive Darren Royle, who brokered the deal.

It ended with a 3-2 win over newly promoted Dorking Wanderers, albeit an unnecessarily nervy ending having led 3-0 only to be pegged back by two quickfire goals for the visitors in the final 10 minutes.

Latics had to ride out the closing stages, which included six minutes of stoppage time.

And while there will be an inquest as to how they lost their grip on the game having gone 3-0 up with goals from Hallam Hope, Chris Porter and what proved to be the decisive strike from Ben Tollit, Sheridan was pleased they did not lose their lead.

"I'm obviously pleased to get the three points," said the Latics boss.

"We scored some good goals.

"To get three goals in any game is good, and it gets us in a winning position.

"We scored at times when we probably weren't dominating the game, but we scored goals and it gives you that lifeline.

"For some reason, I don't know why, at 3-0 we just take our foot off the pedal and allow the opposition to believe they can get back in it.

"We made life very difficult and we should never get ourselves in a position like that, even though I felt Dorking still had opportunities in the game.

"But we are a new team, players are still getting used to me, the shape of the team and what have you.

"I'm just really pleased because of the day and how it's gone. It was an unbelievable turnout and they got behind the team.

"I'll reflect on the game a little bit more on Monday when I can calm down a bit because I was getting stressed again, watching, like you do. I think we all did, not just me.

"We'll take the three points.

"We need to deal with the game because we allowed Dorking to be involved and I think they felt as though they were involved in the game for most of the game.

"We should be taking the game to the opposition more when we're at home I think."

And Sheridan said the atmosphere generated by over 8,300 Latics fans played a part in the outcome.

"We had unbelievable support, the atmosphere was great," he continued.

"Brass band on the pitch, I thought I was at the FA Cup final when I went on the pitch!

"The chairman I think has loved it. We're all happy, we're going home with a result, three points.

"You could see the feeling, the fans are chuffed to bits we've won the game. They know we can play better but they were right behind all game. Unbelievable support and hopefully it continues."