The Rams had a stronger side on duty for the midweek game against Widnes, when again they were unlucky to be beaten, but encouragement came from the way they showed something like their impressive form of earlier in the season.
They will be taking nothing for granted. Oldham are in National League Two but have recruited heavily this time and have signed a number of vastly-experienced players, including such as Mick Nanyn, Marcus St Hilaire, Neil Roden, Phil Joseph and Danny Halliwell, who have all played at a much higher level, and the Rams can't take them lightly.
Rams' coach Andy Kelly remarked: "We shouldn't be fooled. We aren't going into the game thinking it is Second Division opposition and will be a cakewalk. Oldham have considerably strengthened their team and, if they are promoted, many of those players will be retained.
"For us to reach the quarter-finals would be a bonus for the club, a genuine fillip for the players and help lift us out of the doldrums of the league. If we show the commitment and passion we did against Widnes, we should win through.
"It was a big effort on Tuesday and we got scant reward as one or two important decisions swung against us. I felt disappointed for the players because they worked so hard. We were 12-6 up when an important decision went against us and Widnes went from six points down to 24-12 up."
Kelly did not dispute one of the game's decisive moments, when Dean Lawford dived for the try which would have helped level matters. Sportingly he said: "It was a fantastic effort by the player who got back to make the tackle when Dean looked certain to score. Earlier on we went very close and some spectators thought then we had scored. These things are supposed to level out over a season, so I think we are due some reward.
"The players responded magnificently and pushed Widnes to the wire. We went so close but one or two little things in our game aren't quite right. Once we get over the threshold with our first win, we shall take some pushing back through the door."
Chris Hall came in for his first game of the season at full-back after his rugby union stint and Kelly said: "He looked a bit ring rusty at times but he made a good fist of it."
The Rams are still keen to sign loan players to help their cause. Kelly remarked: "Our chairman Mark Sawyer is working very hard behind the scenes but the competition among clubs in both first and second divisions is fierce and Super League clubs are reluctant to part with players because they have their own injury problems."
Alex Bretherton has had the first course of treatment on his damaged shoulder but Kelly said: "We have to give him as much time as he needs and not seek to rush him back. His injury has been a blow because for the last 18 months he has consistently improved to the point where I wouldn't be surprised if bigger clubs started to show interest."
Full-back Mark Field is not expected to play again this season because of his knee problem and the club are seeking to keep him involved by helping with the conditioning work of the squad. He added: "It's very frustrating because all lads want to do is play."