James Norwood scored twice from the penalty spot to secure a dream double over promotion rivals Barnet, but manager Micky Mellon focused on a team effort for his in-form Oldham Athletic.

Norwood scored late in the first half and early in the second to stretch a winning run in the National League and fire Latics up to fifth in the table.

But the defensive effort in keeping a third consecutive clean sheet was just as impressive, with Mat Hudson making a late save and defenders putting their bodies on the line to protect their goal.

"I'm very pleased with the whole performance really. I think we've seen tonight with the additions and the way we wanted to do things that we're trying to grow something here and it looks like it's moving forwards," said Mellon.

"There's still a lot of work to be done, there really is, but we certainly look like we're moving towards that team that we believe we can be.

"I thought we were very strong against a good, tight team - a very good side. We showed all the qualities that are needed on a difficult night as well. We're delighted with the victory.

"It was well deserved, a really controlled performance and the boys did everything that was necessary."

Asked about Norwood's contribution, Mellon added: "I don't really want to single anybody out because I think the team as a whole were terrific to a man, and I think James would be the first to say that.

"It would be wrong of me to single anyone out. But he, along with other ones, worked very, very hard and battled away in what was a really good team performance.

"There were blocks at the end and there were good passages of play.

"I was really pleased. But it's still a big work in progress, and I'm not just saying that, we really are. We will keep on trying to improve and work towards that team we all want to see."