Oldham Athletic’s Zander Diamond believes victory in the next two games will vindicate his decision to swap the SPL for League One, writes Gavin Browne.

The 26-year-old will be in the centre of defence as Latics seek a passage into the FA Cup third round with victory at Southend United on Saturday.

Seventy-two hours later, Athletic can reach the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final if they see off League Two strugglers Bradford City at Boundary Park.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it. I came to England to play in ties like these.

“The FA Cup tie won’t be easy – people might think we have a divine right to win but you saw Southend beat Preston at their place.

“We’ve got to treat them with respect and do the right things, and then hopefully we’ll progress into the third round.

“In terms of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, it’ a great chance of getting to the area final and then we’re only two games from Wembley.

“We’re slowly but surely building something for the future. We’re doing the hard work for the manager so that we’re all going in the same direction.”

Much of the focus on last Saturday’s goalless draw at AFC Bournemouth was on Robbie Simpson and the goal that never was.

However, the Latics camp took some satisfaction from their first clean sheet in seven matches. Since beating Wycombe 2-0 on October 22, Athletic had conceded 12 goals in six games.

Marc Pugh wasted a clear chance for the Cherries and Charlie Sheringham clattered the bar from 25 yards at the Seward Stadium.

In between, though, the home side barely looked like scoring with Alex Cisak having one of his quieter afternoons of the season.

“That performance has to be our starting point from now on,” Diamond admitted.

“We work really hard in training and doing what we did was good.

“Strikers can miss five or six chances but defenders make one mistake and it’s a goal.

“It was important we kept our concentration.” Tweet