Grimsby 3 Oldham Athletic 3

Last updated : 27 December 2003 By Dave Moore

The Latics continued their improvement of form under the guidance of John Sheridan and David Eyres. They dominated the first half in front of Grimsby’s best league gate of the season and thought they had taken the lead through Calvin Zola as early as the second minute but the effort was ruled offside. Jevons put the Mariners ahead but then had Crane red carded after bringing down Jermaine Johnson when he was clear through. Zola scored again only to have the linesman disallow it for offside. Johnson put the Latics on level terms in the 18th. minute before Ernie Cooksey put them ahead in the 32nd. minute when he rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Grimsby came out fighting in the second half and Boulding put them level in the 56th. minute when he fired under Pogliacomi. Substitute Scott Vernon (pictured) scored a wonder goal to restore the visitors lead again when Johnson fed him before he picked out the bottom corner with a long range shot. Towards the end the Mariners were hanging on grimly and it was only a combination of the Grimsby keeper, the woodwork and the linesman’s flag which prevented the Latics from taking all three points.

Acting boss John Sheridan said, “It was 2 points lost against 10 men. I expected us to go on and win the game after getting back to one each. I thought we started very brightly and we had some decent half chances. We got ourselves back in the game and JJ was lively and very bright all game. He ran at the lad who brought him down and had to go off. Zola and Johnson were lively all game and they can cause anyone problems with their pace and touch. I didn't think Calvin Zola's first goal was offside. I was pleased at half time with the way we played and we never looked in danger really. They had one or two half chances but I was pleased with the way we got back into the game. At 2-1 up I thought we would go on and win it but the lads have done well and hopefully we can build on this.”