THEY had face painting, bands, a stiltwalker and a penalty shoot-out between fans and former players.

But the best of the lot were the fireworks on the pitch.

It was SAFE Day 2 for the fans' group (Save Athletic's Future Existence) and it was meant to be carnival day.

Admission prices were slashed and it tempted 6,864 fans from their armchairs -the biggest crowd of the season.

Then the players took centre stage, produced non-stop entertainment and left to a standing ovation.

And if this exciting brand of football doesn't bring back missing fans to Boundary Park, then nothing will.

The Latics crushed Notts County with a four-goal salvo to make it 27 goals in 11 games and go to the top of the table.

Ricthie reward

They also stretched their unbeaten home run to six games in stunning style and boss Andy Ritchie deserves praise for the way he has gelled his side.

He said: ''The lads are enjoying themselves and the spirit is terrific, you can see it on the pitch.

''They are working hard for each other and there were some great individual performances. But they were all excellent to a man.

''When we lost our only game this season at Colchester there were a few doubters out there. But that game didn't knock our confidence or appetite, and the players are proving they are up to the job.'

Veteran John Sheridan hit a post before defender Nicky Fenton put through his own goal and former Magpie Craig Dudley scored his first ever goal against his old club.

County nicked one back through Mark Stallard just after the break but subsitute John Eyre got Oldham's third.

In-form striker Carlo Corazzin completed the blitz with a last minute penalty to give him four goals in the last five games.

How confident are you feeling about Latics' promotion push? Can they sustain their superb start, or are they weak in some areas? Let us know your views

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