Micky Mellon has urged OIdham Athletic to play the game and not the occasion as they meet rivals Rochdale at lunchtime.

It is one of the first fixtures looked for by both sets of supporters when the new season is mapped out, whichever division they have met in, and provided a seven-goal thriller in their last meeting at Spotland.

That game was Mellon's first in charge of Oldham, in October last year, with James Norwood scoring the decisive goal to secure three points on the road.

But today's clash (kick-off 12.30pm) takes on even more significance given where the two teams currently are in the league. Latics have the advantage, sitting fourth in the table, two places and four points ahead of Rochdale.

And Mellon is relishing the chance to put a key marker down in the promotion race.

"It's an important game. It's only worth three points like every other game but it's that extra little bit of edge which we're really looking forward to of a local derby," said the Oldham boss.

"What you've got to be careful of is that you understand there's a game of football to be played and don't get too caught up in everything that's going on round about that.

"We've still got jobs to do, there's still a tempo to be played at, there's still an attitude to be found, and if we do all of that and turn up and play the way that we can play we'll give a good account of ourselves.

"It's an extra sense of occasion and we know how much it means to the supporters so for that we're excited and looking forward to it, well prepared and ready to go."

Latics go into the game having lost only two of their 18 league games so far, winning half.

"We're building all the time and getting better all the time, we're looking stronger, we've got a great togetherness, not just with the team but the supporters as well so everything is definitely moving in the right direction and at a good pace now," Mellon added.

"It's just up to us all to make sure that we stick together and we continue to keep growing what really is an exciting period for the football club, so just keep moving forward.

"It's important that we keep going and we keep our focus and we keep trying to win games of football."

Defender Charlie Raglan could return after missing last weekend's 4-0 home win over Tamworth due to a strain.

"Charlie's ok so we'll give everybody the opportunity to be available," said Mellon.

"We've got a squad that's capable, we're never looking for excuses and always believing that we can give a good account of ourselves."