ADAM Thompson aims to make a serious point in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Oldham.

A record Valley Parade low of just 931 fans watched City’s final group game against Rotherham last month.

Another poor crowd is expected for the second-round tie – but centre half Thompson will not be taking it lightly as he makes only his sixth start on loan.

He said: “Obviously I want to be playing more but the lads are still doing well, so I’ve got no complaints. It’s good to be part of the squad.

“You’ve got to be strong mentally and keep working hard in training.

“I know I’ve got to be ready for when my chance comes and hopefully I can get another goal like against Man City.

“Oldham play a very strong team in this competition, so it will be a good test. Being at home, we want to put on a show for the fans who do turn up.”

City hope Jake Reeves will be fine for Saturday after feeling a slight groin problem in the Plymouth game.

He will not be risked tonight and assistant boss Kenny Black revealed there is also a bit of illness to add to the growing list of injuries.

But after reaching the quarter-finals last year, City are looking to progress now the competition finally hits the knock-out stages.

Black said: “You’ve got to look at it from a business point of view as well. Financially, it’s good for us to still be involved in the FA Cup – and if we can stay in the Checkatrade, there’s decent money on offer.

“We did play an experimental side last time against Rotherham because it was a so-called ‘dead rubber’.

“Rotherham were really strong that night and deserved to win but we’d hoped to be more competitive than we were. There was a bit of naivety with a couple of positional changes.

“We’re looking forward to it and want to progress.”