Stags can now look forward to the FA Cup - Marriott

But he warned against dreaming too hard about the possible third round trip to Liverpool for the winners just yet.

Marriott had a fine game in the 0-0 draw at the Cherry Red Records Stadium yesterday and then said: “We had to put Oldham to the back of our minds today.

“The League is important as it’s our bread and butter and we want to climb up the table.”

On the possible game at Liverpool, he said: “We have players here who didn’t experience it last year who will want it and it means a lot to the fans as well.

“For any footballer, playing at Anfield is the pinnacle of your career and my career is coming to an end. So to get that chance would be fantastic.

“My little boy wants to go there too. That would be something special. To walk out on the pitch at Liverpool with him would bring a tear to my eye.

“But we have the small matter of Oldham first. They are a League One outfit and are a fantastic team. We must do things right and proper on Tuesday.”

Marriott had nothing but praise for his opposite number at AFC Wimbledon, Ross Worner, whose saves denied the Stags all three points.

“It was a tricky game today for goalkeepers with a horrible, swirling wind,” said Marriott.

“He pulled off three bits of brilliance to keep them in the game and frustrate us. But we have to be pleased that we are creating chances and being in the right areas at the right time.

“He made some fantastic saves and that’s how it’s going for us at the minute.

“As a back line it hurts when you keep on letting in goals and sliding down the table. But Micky Moore has worked hard on our shape since he came back and it is starting to pay off.”