Sheffield Wednesday 1 Oldham Athletic 1

Last updated : 30 August 2004 By The Chairman

The Latics continued their recent improved form and came away from Hillsborough with a creditable point after a gutsy performance. The visitors started brightly and Jermain Johnson was causing all sorts of problems with his pace. Rodney Jack almost finished off a JJ cross in the 23rd. minute but Lucas saved well and five minutes before half-time Danny Boshell was unlucky as he watched his shot hit Wood and deflect onto the post. Dean Holden squandered a glorious opportunity when he blasted over from 8 yards out but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the referee had spotted an infringement.

Wednesday started the second half in a more determined mood but couldn’t find the killer punch. On the hour JJ (pictured) was heading for goal with Wood in hot pursuit. He was pushed wide and the shot eventually hit the side netting. In the 69th. minute Brunt opened the scoring for Wednesday when his 20 yarder eluded Les Pogliacomi and curled in off the post. It was a cruel blow for the Latics faithful but within five minutes they were cheering again as JJ got the equaliser. It stemmed from Pogsy who lashed the ball forward for JJ to run on to. He kept his cool and beat the advancing Lucas from just inside the box to give the 2,000 strong blue army a moment to treasure.

Talbot brought on Matty Barlow for JJ with five minutes to go but the striker was slow in leaving the field and the referee booked him for time wasting. The remainder of the game was played out sensibly by the Latics who held possession of the ball and didn’t rush things. As the referee blew for full time it was a time for celebration for the visitors but the home fans vented their feelings by booing their team off in what was a fair result and another step in the right direction for Brian Talbots team.

After the game Talbot commented, “I think we'd have taken that result before the kick off. We wanted a solid performance and the boys gave me a solid performance. The fans were magnificent again It's a fantastic place to come and play. We hadn't done well at Hull and Luton this season but we've come away today to put in a solid performance and we got our just rewards in my opinion. The performance deserved something from the game and we got it. After going behind we showed as lot of fight and character to come back. Johnson caused them problems all afternoon and duly got the goal.”

“Chris Killen felt his hamstring. He's had the problem since he's been at the club. He came back earlier than anticipated and played two games which was forced on me due to the silly incident with the motorway last Tuesday so I didn't feel the 3rd. game in a week would be wise. I think he'll be okay for the Hartlepool game but we just took precaution today. I always felt we could get behind them and score a goal. We took a lot of pressure but they didn't really create a lot of chances. I don't think Les had many saves to make. First half we certainly had the best two chances and obviously we're pleased that we came away with a point.”