TOWN'S forwards will have few better opportunities for filling their boots than against Oldham at Boundary Park tomorrow (Saturday, October 14).

The struggling Latics have leaked 25 goals already this campaign, more than any other professional side in England.

Add to that the eight they conceded over two legs to Sheffield Wednesday in the Worthington Cup, and you can see why players might be looking forward to an away trip with more than their usual relish.

Oldham's porous rearguard offers Swindon's strikers a generous platform to improve their scoring records.

Town's three main predators, Martin Williams, Gary Alexander and Giuliano Grazioli have netted just four times between them so far, a total just one ahead of the individual contribution of top scorer Alan Reeves.

The veteran centre back's unlikely purple patch will not last forever, so it is time for the forwards to start firing.

Oldham have been ponderous at the back, but much of their defensive weakness stems from the midfield area.

Their frailties in the centre of the park are mostly beyond the control of manager Andy Ritchie.

The Lancashire side are without their experienced fulcrum, Irish international John Sheridan.

His nous and range of passing would be an asset to any side, but he has been out since the first game of the season.

They are also shorn of the more artisan talents of ball-winner Paul Rickers, who has been out for over a month with a thigh injury.

Oldham have really struggled in the absence of their midfield duo, and the fans are beginning to turn on their former idol.

Ritchie played for the Latics during their glory days in the top flight, scoring more than 100 goals and helping them to the FA Cup semi-final in 1990.

That side boasted the talents of Denis Irwin, Earl Barrett and Graeme Sharp, but hard times have hit Boundary Park and they slid quietly into Division Two in 1997.

Only Oxford are below them in the table and they have few players who will strike fear into the hearts of Colin Todd and his team.

Carlo Corazzin has proved a decent signing from Northampton Town, weighing in with three goals so far, but his appearances have been limited by international call-ups for Canada.

Both he and central defender Mark Watson were in the Canada team that won the Gold Cup in 1999, beating Dwight Yorke's Trinidad on the way.

Corazzin possesses a thunderous shot that should keep Bart Griemink on his toes.

But The Latics have failed to win in their last ten matches.