Pogliacomi Earns Point Against Classy County

Brian Talbot made a few changes to the team that played against Peterborough United. Goal hero Scott Vernon came into the side to replace injured Dean Crowe. Mark Bonner made his full debut in place of Darren Sheridan who dropped to the bench and David Eyres replaced Ernie Cooksey on the left wing, Cooksey also dropped to the bench. Michael Clegg got a place as a substitute as Dean Crowe dropped out with injury.

A strong turnout for both sides made for a passionate local derby. From the kick-off Stockport attacked strongly but Oldham cleared well and earned a free kick in the County half. David Eyres swung the ball in which avoided everyone but Will Haining at the far post to poke the ball into the net with only 49 seconds gone. 0-1

The next ten minutes or so the game went quiet but Stockport were starting to get a hold of the game. Aaron Wilbraham sent Danny Jackman clear but his shot was superbly closed down by Pogliacomi.

Stockport were ripping Oldham apart but not getting any luck but eventually their possession told, on 33 minutes a corner was sent to the near post, Wilbraham managed to head it on and Rob Clare headed it in from 3 yards. 1-1

Jon Daly forced Pogliacomi to make an excellent diving save to palm his effort over the bar on 40 minutes.

The half time whistle came to Oldham’s rescue. Time for the coaching staff to work their magic on a sorry looking Latics.

Oldham had been completely shocking throughout the first half and were incredibly lucky to be level at the break. Stockport had shown why they had won 5 of their last 7 games. A much better performance was needed in the second half.

Oldham made a change before the start of the half. A bizarre one from my point of view, Scott Vernon was taken off and Darren Sheridan came on.

Stockport continued in the same vein and put tremendous pressure on the Oldham defence. Jon Daly again was thwarted by Pogliacomi who was producing one of his best performances of the season.

On 62 minutes David Eyres who looked either tired or not really bothered came off and Ernie Cooksey replaced him.

Oldham started to play better with Cooksey’s introduction. John Eyre went close with a free kick which Williams failed to hold and Haining almost got to the rebound but it was cleared by Stockport and they got a goal kick as well :S

Stockport took the lively Danny Jackman off to the relief of some Oldham fans and Andy Welsh came on.

Jermaine Johnson was then taken off and Wes Wilkinson came on for him to try and liven things up.

Oldham pressed a little more but it never led to anything and Stockport dealt with it pretty easily. Mark Robertson then came on for Stockport to replace Jim Goodwin.

Late on Pogliacomi pulled off a miraculous save, a header went in the opposite direction to the keeper but he managed to stretch a leg out to clear it.

Despite Stockport’s dominance Oldham had the chance to win it in injury time. The ball fell to Mark Bonner after a scramble in the box but his shot went sailing over the bar.

Another undeserved point for the Latics, Pogliacomi definitely earned his money after that display. So far under Talbot we’ve won one, lost one and drawn five. When Sheridan was in charge we looked like being dragged back into trouble but at least we were playing decent football. Since Talbot has arrived the confidence in the team has gone completely, Talbot doesn’t know who to play and his tactical decisions are somewhat questionable. The team looks clueless of ideas and creativity and we’re resorting to long ball football which doesn’t work when our strikers are so small.

I’m all for giving Talbot time to settle in but this comment from him has angered me, “It was poor play by us to let them back in it from the set piece- poor marking from Scott Vernon.” He is constantly individually criticising players and he has from day one. It’s not acceptable and the fans are noticing it. Get behind the team!