Micky Mellon believes the best is yet to come for Oldham Athletic.

Latics go into this afternoon's home game with Tamworth (kick-off 3pm) having lost just twice in 17 league games, while also progressing to the second round of the FA Cup with an impressive win against his old club, Tranmere Rovers.

A point at Barnet last weekend was their first goalless draw of the season, and one which brought the team's battling qualities to the fore.

“We have a group of lads who will fight and scrap for one another. Whatever the games ask them, they’ll try to find a way of answering it," he said.

“It was tough last weekend, Barnet are a good team but we showed a side to our game where we can grind out performances even when we’re not at our best.

“They’re the qualities we need to be successful, we found a way to leave that game with a well-earned point."

Today's opponents Tamworth are back in the fifth tier thanks to back-to-back promotions, and have made a solid start to their return to National League level, sitting mid-table while also beating League One Huddersfield to earn a place in the FA Cup second round.

Latics host their Remembrance fixture todayLatics host their Remembrance fixture today (Image: Oldham Athletic)

"Each game represents a different test and Tamworth are no different," said Mellon, ahead of the first meeting between the two teams.

“They did well in the cup beating higher opposition so we know it’s no walkover, they’ll be coming here with a game plan to disrupt us.

“But we just have to stick with our game plan and play the way we want to play.

“If we play how I know we can we’ll have no issues. But I still think there’s another gear in us and when we get there, which we will, we can be even better.”

And Mellon cannot wait to get back to Boundary Park, three weeks since their last Saturday matchday at home.

With the FA Cup trip to Tranmere thrown into a busy league schedule, Oldham have only played at home once in the last five games in both competitions.

“It feels like a long time since we’ve played at home. We’ve been on the road quite a lot, so it’ll be nice to return to familiar territory," said the Latics boss.

The home game with Tamworth will serve as the club's annual Remembrance fixture, with tributes paid to those whose lives have been lost and affected by serving their country in conflict, ahead of kick-off.

Military personnel past and present will be involved in the act of remembrance. Club chaplain, Rev. Daniel Burton, and Bishop David Walker, will recite the Exhortation.

Supporters with a current military ID, an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card or Blue Light Card will be admitted for free to this fixture and can claim a pair of complimentary tickets.