Rochdale 0-3 Oldham

3 goals in the final 10 minutes earned Oldham a 3-0 win against Rochdale. The performance could have been better, but this performance gained Oldham the “Rose Bowl”. So Latics have some silverware before the league campaign even begins!

Rochdale had the first chance. An Andy Griffin mistake allowed Paul Tait in, but Les Pogliacomi saved to his left. Athletic’s first opening came on 9 minutes. Matty Appleby shot well over from a David Eyres free-kick. This set the tone for the half, as a procession of players shot wide or over. JJ and Ashley Probets both shot wide, and Will Haining wasted a chance from a Latics corner; as his effort was saved by Rochdale ‘keeper Neil Edwards. David Eyres’ shot 6 minutes before the break summed up the efforts up to then. His shot not only cleared the goal, but also the stand, and the Rochdale officials rushed to find another ball!

The first half ended with a fracas. JJ appeared to kick a Rochdale player as he lay on the ground. This provoked a reaction from many Rochdale players and Oldham skipper Dean Holden. The referee cooled the situation, and resolved the dispute with a drop ball.

Dave Beherall replaced Haining at half-time. The second half carried on from the first, as Dean Holden failed to capitalise on a great cross by Rodney Jack. Paul Tait then had a chance for the side from Spotland, but put it too wide. Athletic’s second substitution was Danny Boshell on for Matty Appleby on 57 minutes. Rochdale then came as close as they could come to scoring. Alan Goodhall’s banana shot went only inches wide. Two more subs for Oldham – Cooskey came on for David Eyres and Scott Vernon came on for Chris Killen.

After more missed chances the deadlock was finally broken. JJ was brought down near the box, and Danny Boshell punished the home side, with his free kick going in off the post. Then on 90 minutes JJ capitalised on a long ball from defence, and shot early to beat Rochdale’s advancing ‘keeper. JJ scored a second as well in similar fashion.

This scoreline flattered Oldham, who must be becoming concerned over the large amount of chances they are squandering. But another clean sheet puts them in good stead for the season’s opener against Luton a week today. Come on Oldham!