OLDHAM Athletic's decision to freeze out non-season ticket holders has not been taken on police advice.

Latics this week announced the suspension of matchday tickets for the next two fixtures - away to Leyton Orient tomorrow, and at home to Hartlepool United next Saturday - while also suspending season ticket sales until further notice.

The surprise move comes in light of recent protests, including pitch invasions, and plans for more peaceful demonstrations for the next three League Two games.

Latics were limiting their own sales for tomorrow's game at Brisbane Road to season ticket holders, based on a one ticket per season card basis, collected in person from the club.

However, in a triumph for the Latics' faithful, Leyton Orient yesterday confirmed they are allowing Oldham Athletic fans to pay on the day.

In a statement announcing their new ticketing arrangements on Wednesday, Oldham said: "In light of ongoing issues with crowd behaviour at Boundary Park, several meetings have taken place and will continue to do so with the local authorities, including Greater Manchester Police."

Repeated pitch invasions and the disruption of games - most notably the Carabao Cup clash against Accrington Stanley being halted when tennis balls where thrown onto the pitch, and Saturday's defeat to Barrow interrupted by fans running onto the pitch in the second half - could lead to Latics being forced to play their games behind closed doors.

However, The Oldham Times has been told that their decision is not a directive from GMP, while it is understood the EFL have not had any involvement in this move either.

And the club's defiance has only fuelled supporters' determination in their efforts to influence the change of ownership that they crave at Boundary Park, despite controversial owner Abdallah Lemsagam saying in an open letter to fans that he would not sell.