A year earlier, they had won their final three games of the season to stay up on goal difference and, this time round, they had looked more than capable of beating the drop without needing any last-gasp "Houdini" survival acts.

But Mark Hughes then equalised for United and forced a replay, in which a visibly downbeat Latics were crushed 4–1 at Maine Road.

The next game saw Oldham win 1–0 at newly promoted Swindon Town, but then came a 10-match winless run which included five draws.

First they had to meet United in the league at Old Trafford, and gave them a serious run for their money as the table-leading hosts managed a narrow 3–2 win.

[1] Oldham Athletic's score comes first[2] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.