Aftermath of Bolton game

Last updated : 01 February 2005 By The Chairman

The aftermath of Athletic’s defeat at home to Bolton was summed up by the managers. Speaking of the Lee Croft tackle on Nicky Hunt, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce said, “I am not sure the lad meant it. Lee Croft probably doesn't know how to tackle, but the fact is that he went over the top of the ball. Even if there's not a break, he's suffered massive ligament damage. There’s nothing else you can say because I saw what happened instantly. We go on about all the other stuff which happens in football, but this is something we need to cut out of the game. I’m relieved to get through because we had some hairy moments when Oldham were missing chances.”

Latics manager Brian Talbot (pictured) gave credit to his players when he said, “I’m disappointed to lose because the lads gave everything they had in a really good cup tie. Their effort was first class and the commitment was clear for everyone to see, but we just weren’t good enough to score. Although I’m biased, our performance in the second half merited something from the game. Bolton had a couple of chances, but we saw enough of the ball around their penalty area. I think the contest, which was a good football contest, was even-steven. I thought it was two teams battling away. I thought Bolton, give credit to them, battled and worked very hard. They're a solid unit and they've got good players and over the 90 minutes I think a draw would have been a fair result.”

“It’s all ifs and buts now, but maybe Danny Hall should have scored, maybe Alex Bruce should have hit the target and, going back to the start, maybe our ’keeper might have done better for the goal. Despite all that, the way we performed was a credit to everyone and we’ve had an exciting time in the FA Cup.”

Speaking of his miss, Alex Bruce told the Oldham Chronicle, “It should have gone in. A cross came over and I just tried to get something on the shot, but it wasn’t going to be our day. I spent the last few minutes up front when we were chasing the game and, bearing in mind the one I’d missed, that might be the last time I’ll ever be pushed up there. It’s just a shame we couldn’t convert any of our chances, but I think the players can hold their heads high and say we did everything possible to get a result. For some of us it was the biggest game of our careers, and it’s only natural that we’re going to feel a bit down. But I thought we did well overall against a very good Bolton side, the result could have gone either way.”

The last word went to Brian Talbot when he added, “We don't want to let the season die now. We've got the final of the LDV against Wrexham, we've got another 18 League games to play and we want to try and finish the season on a high to show people that we're going forward. We can still finish the league season strongly and have a good go at winning the LDV Vans Trophy.”