Oldham could not make it four pre-season games unbeaten as they were beaten 1-0 by Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night.
A Kevin Nolan goal secured the visitors their triumph, but Latics can take heart from this performance. They made enough chances to win this match against a side containing 7 internationals. Jermaine Johnson was outstanding against his former club, and Jussi Jaaskelainen made a number of fine saves.
Rodney Jack and Chris Killen both had chances in the opening minutes, but the Premier League side went one up on 13 minutes. After some excellent build up play, the striker sent in a cross/shot which hit the back of Pogliacomi’s net. Matty Appleby was brought on for John Eyre, who was struggling with a knock.
There were still hatfuls of chances. Peterson shot wide, David Eyres volleyed over, and Chris Killen had a shot cleared off the line by Bruno N’Gotty. Danny Boshell replaced Eyres at half-time, and was immediately in the action as he tackled Pederson as the Bolton forward was making a surge forward.
There was some hot-headedness along with the bucketloads of opportunities on goal. Bolton’s substitute Sammi was booked for his ungainly challenge on Mark Arber. The South African was shortly subbed for his reaction, and Dave Beherall entered the fray. And Latics had two golden opportunities in the dying minutes. JJ hit the bar, only just failing to cap a great display, and Danny Boshell’s 40-yard strike was brilliantly tipped over by Bolton’s Finnish ‘keeper.
A draw would have been nice, but a performance in friendly matches is always more important than the final score. And the performance was there, and as long as Oldham take their chances in future games, they will surely prosper in League One.
Oldham’s latest pre-season sojourn takes them to Spotland on Friday to face Rochdale. And then the season’s opener is at Luton in only 9 days time. Bet you can’t wait!
