Cheltenham 1 Oldham 1

Last updated : 12 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Cheltenham Town belied their lowly status to earn a battling draw against promotion-chasing Oldham at Whaddon Road.

Iain Dowie's Oldham team have one of the best away records in the Football League and they looked capable of achieving a 12th away victory, but Cheltenham stuck to their task and could even have claimed all three points at the end.

The home side grabbed an early lead when midfielder Mark Yates drove in a shot from the edge of the box after Julian Alsop had flicked on a Jamie Victory header.

That goal arrived in the second minute and it stung Oldham into action. The play-off contenders created a series of half chances before veteran midfielder David Eyres headed his team level from a Josh Low corner in the 31st minute.

Cheltenham goalkeeper Shane Higgs made notable saves from Clyde Wijnhard and Wayne Andrews either side of half-time but the action was switching quickly from box to box.

A highly entertaining second half could have resulted in goals for either side as Cheltenham defender Jamie Victory cleared a shot from Wijnhard off the line and John Brough went close with a long-distance lob shot for the home side.

Deep into injury time Cheltenham substitute Marvin Brown attempted a dipping shot from 30 yards that Oldham goalkeeper David Miskelly did very well to claw over the crossbar.

Both sides needed the points for contrasting reasons but with other results going against them, Oldham are looking increasingly likely to head for the play-offs while Cheltenham must start winning if they are to survive the drop.

"It was a great game to watch and the supporters will go away pleased with what they have seen," said Cheltenham manager Bobby Gould.

"I've got to be honest and say a point was probably fair. Full marks to Iain Dowie and his staff and players because they have been on a magnificent run away from home and you can only admire that." Dowie, however, believed his team should have won.

"I can't think for one minute how they deserved a draw from the game," he said.

"We played very well first half but not as well second half and you cannot afford to miss as many chances as we did."