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Dunn demands Oldham focus ahead of clash with ‘false’ strugglers Barnsley

Having beaten both Chesterfield and Mansfield in the space of a week, manager David Dunn says Oldham will not be complacent ahead of hosting luckless Barnsley this weekend.

The Tykes travel to Boundary Park on the back of eight consecutive League One losses, an FA Cup loss at non-league Altrincham, and with former Latics boss Lee Johnson seemingly on the ropes.

But Dunn maintains that his side will properly prepare for the fixture as Latics look to record back-to-back league wins for the first time since March.

“Having watched them a couple of times I think they are in a false position. They have still got some very good players, so they are a good side,” said Dunn.

“One thing we will be drumming home is: ‘don’t think they are going to come here and be a walkover.’ We have got to be very careful that we don’t have that mindset.

“If we set up right and the lads show the same determination then it will certainly make it a lot easier, but this is going to be a tough game.”

The match also marks Johnson’s second return to Boundary Park since leaving the club in February.

His Barnsley side won 3-1 in Oldham just three weeks after his move, and the frosty reception he received from the Oldham faithful is expected to be repeated this weekend.

“I want to set our team out and give ourselves the best preparation to get three points on Saturday. All the other stuff going on behind the scene doesn’t really interest me at all,” said Dunn.

“The fans will get excited about it because they feel that they want to get one over on him.

“I certainly don’t prepare any differently. Nothing changes for us – want to go out there and try to win every game, but it is important that we don’t get carried away.”

The 35-year-old also confirmed he has a near-full squad at his disposal with no fresh injury concerns, while Barnsley have brought in Burnley defender Kevin Long to strengthen their defensive frailties.

Image courtesy of OAFC via YouTube, with thanks.

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