Latics see off struggling Cheltenham

Last updated : 05 November 2006 By The Chairman
Goals by Paul Warne and Gary McDonald were enough to see off a struggling Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road. The two first half goals looked to be enough but a 90th. minute strike by Odejayi sent a shiver up the travelling supporters backs. The Latics did hang on though to secure a very useful three points. The win leaves Oldham just a point behind Swansea City who are sixth.

John Sheridan spoke highly of his team when he told the official site, "It's nice to win away. We were excellent in the first half, totally dominated and could have scored more goals to add to the two excellent ones we did get. I was very pleased with the way we played before the break. We moved the ball well and with a good tempo. They simply couldn't live with us in the first half. You're always in the driving seat going in two-nil up at half-time. The first was a great finish from Warney, and the passing and play for the second goal was great. Gary McDonald is good at arriving late in the box, and the play by Lids and Ports in the build-up was excellent. The first-half performance merited us the three points, and keeps us in the chasing pack at the top."

"Stammy's injury looks quite bad, his leg is very swollen and he's in a bit of pain. Lee Nobes knows better than me, though. Neal Trotman came on, he's a young kid and this is a chance for him. He defended well, got up for a few headers and helped us to win the game. I'm happy overall and pleased for the lads that they got their reward after working so hard. They've come back to get two wins in a row after losing at Yeovil."

Gary McDonald (pictured) added, "It was nice to score, but the most important thing is the three points. Other results have gone for us, so this result was vital given the way this league is. It was a really good move. The boss described it as 'different class' at half-time. Lids put in a really good cross, Chris (Porter) got his head to it, apparently he saw me behind him, and I put it in. We should have cruised to victory, really. The lads definitely felt that their goal was offside and everyone was a bit frantic at the end, but we held on."