Latics boss John Sheridan is still hoping to add “a couple of players” to his ranks to cope with the demanding schedule of the National League.

Sheridan’s men have had a tough start to the new campaign, picking up eight points from their opening six matches.

Of course, the upcoming transfer deadline doesn’t apply to sides outside the Football League and the Latics chief is hopeful of bringing in a couple more fresh faces.

“I still think we need a couple of players,” he said. “We need to strengthen and make ourselves solid because we will pick up injuries and suspensions.

“We need to be ready for that because the games come thick and fast.”

Latics were held to a 1-1 draw against York City in their last outing after Olly Dyson cancelled out Hallam Hope’s opener.

Oscar Threlkeld and Micthell Roberts both made their debut against the Minstermen, and Sheridan was pleased with what he saw from the young pair.

He added: “Two steady players. I thought Oscar did well when he went to wing-back. Composed on the ball, kept his position and got into good areas.

“Mitch is a young lad, he is learning the game. He is coming out and playing men’s football.

“We have got a big game now on Saturday [against Chesterfield]. We need to start getting three points from games.”

The goal was Hope’s third in his last five matches, and Sheridan was pleased with the build-up play from his side.

The Latics chief wants to see more of the same and has challenged his side to be more incisive with their passing over the coming weeks and months.

 “It was a very good goal, a great move. Two or three passes, just stretching people and it ends up in the back of the net,” the manager explained.

“We need to do it more. Probably the goal the other night [against Aldershot] was again two or three passes going forward 50 yards and it disturbs the opposition, it moves them quicker. It is a great goal for us.”

However, Sheridan admits it was frustrating not to leave with all three points after going ahead and says his side need to be more “professional” in those situations.

“When you are in a game and once you get the goal as well, you have just got to see it out,” he added.

“We have got to be more professional and we have got enough experience on the pitch to deal with it better and not allow the opposition to get back into the game like we did.

“Good players do the basics well, and we were doing it for half an hour in the second half – just playing simple football and moving the ball.”