Latics thrash Oxford City, continuing Thompson’s positive vibes, but there is terrible news as two important players will be sidelined for a few weeks.

Thompson’s positive energy is maintained as Latics thrash Oxford City.

Latics made it back-to-back wins under interim boss Steve Thompson with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Oxford City.

Thompson took over from the sacked David Unsworth last weekend and helped Latics claim their first win in eight matches with a midweek 2-0 victory over York, a result which lifted them out of the National League drop zone.

And Latics, one of the sides tipped to make a promotion challenge this season, picked up another win yesterday thanks to a brace from Brennan Dickenson and goals from Devarn Green and James Norwood.

Green opened the scoring in the 15th minute after making the most of a fine through-ball from Dan Gardner and Dickenson drilled home an unstoppable long-range shot to double the lead in the 40th minute.

Oxford, who had been unbeaten in seven matches since losing their opening three games, had no answer and veteran striker Norwood and Dickenson added gloss to the win in second-half stoppage time.

Norwood slotted home immediately after Oxford goalkeeper Chris Haigh had twice performed heroics before Dickenson produced another superb finish to find the top corner from a free-kick.

A delighted Thomspon said: “We set ourselves high standards and we’ve got a good team ethic.”

Latics are back in action on Tueday night when they travel to Kidderminster Harriers.

Meanwhile, midfielder Nathan Sheron has signed a one-year contract extension at Boundary Park, keeping him at Latics until 2025.

Sheron joined the club from Harrogate Town in the summer of 2022, and has played every minute in 54 of Latics’ 56 league games since then.

Full-back Benny Couto has joined Ashton United on a one-month loan.