Latics Shock Another Promotion Challenger

The Oldham starting lineup remained unaltered from the last match against Wrexham. Swindon made a couple of changes, Tommy Mooney replaced former Oldham striker Sam Parkin and Brian Howard replaced Sammy Igoe.

Oldham came out all guns blazing buoyed by their fans attacking Swindon as the manager Talbot had said they would before the game. John Eyre had the first chance of the match, he was given enough time in the box to turn and half volley a chance wide of goal.

On 8 minutes Oldham took the lead through Paul Murray. A good build up from the Latics found Murray on the edge of the box and his powerful shot left keeper Evans rooted to the spot as he watched his shot nestle into the right hand side of the net. 1-0

Swindon had a chance on 18 minutes when Rory Fallon broke clear of Danny Hall but his shot went harmlessly over the bar.

Swindon were putting Oldham under pressure and Oldham weren’t helping themselves by constantly giving away possession and needlessly kicking the ball into touch. Mark Bonner was booked midway through the second half for kicking the ball away after it had gone for a throw in to Swindon, a bit harsh but probably the correct decision.

David Duke had an awkward low bouncing shot at goal moments later which Pogliacomi grabbed with confidence. Pogliacomi was earning his money at this time making a stunning save from a header from a cross, he needed to make a split second reaction to get to it.

Before the end of the half Oldham had a chance, another good build up found David Eyres free on the left but his shot was saved comfortably by Evans. The referee blew up for half time soon after Eyresy chance to boo’s from the home fans and standing ovation from the away faithful.

Half Time: Swindon Town 0 Oldham Athletic 1

Oldham again started brightly winning a free kick in a dangerous position, David Eyres swung the ball in and found Dean Holden but his shot went aggonisingly wide.

David Eyres then had another chance which was well struck, Evans mishandled it but managed to claim it at the second attempt.

The Oldham fans who had been magnificent all game with their support began the chant “Oh when the blues go marching in” which was carried on for the rest of the game, the noise and the atmosphere generated by them must have helped the team greatly.

Danny Hall was then booked for repeatedly going over players in attempt to win the ball in the air and the ref decided he had had enough. Swindon made a change at this point as Sam Parkin came on for Andy Nicholas to give Oldham fans an increased caused for concern, if anyone was to equalise it would probably be him!

Les Pogliacomi was next to be booked for decent after he reacted to a bad challenge from a Swindon player but Oldham got the free kick. I think Les had every right to complain but the referee didn’t see it that way.

Swindon kept on attacking but not getting any luck as Oldham’s defence was working hard to contain the threat. Swindon had a couple of chances to equalise but Oldham held out.

As Swindon were pushing more and more forward Oldham were getting opportunities to break, first David Eyres broke free down the left with Jermaine Johnson across him unmarked but Eyres decided to cut inside and shoot but Evans saved. A minute later Darren Sheridan got the ball and ran forward, he sent the ball through to Jermaine Johnson clear on goal one on one with Evans, Johnson placed it past Evans and into the back of the net to joyous celebrations in the top corner of the Arkells Stand. 2-0

Ernie Cooksey came on for David Eyres who received a rapturous reception as he came off. Oldham continued to press forward after the goal, John Eyre sent a shot just over the bar.

Oldham fans were clearly enjoying themselves in the warm sunshine as a few of them took their tops off and dancing the conga through the aisles

Swindon pulled one back minutes later through Rory Fallon, he had a simple chance tapping in from 3 yards out to give Swindon hope. 2-1

Scott Vernon then came on for John Eyre in the closing minutes to get some fresh legs into the game. Swindon however nearly equalised right at the death when Pogliacomi who had been exemplary all game came for a cross but pulled out, Sean O’Hanlon had a clear head at goal but his header went harmlessly wide.

Alan Reeves came on for Hewlett to try and get the equaliser but it was too late and the referees whistle went to end a fantastic game for the Latics. The Oldham players came over to celebrate, the fans were chanting, “we are staying up!” The players were hugging each other in relief sensing that all the hard work for the season was now over. Mathematically Oldham aren’t safe yet but it would take something highly bizarre for Oldham to be relegated now.

Final Score: Swindon Town 1 Oldham Athletic 2