Colchester United 0 Oldham Athletic 0

Last updated : 03 January 2005 By The Chairman

The Latics could only manage a draw at Colchester in preparation for their exciting encounter with Manchester City next week. The match was dour with many missed chances at both ends. Kilkenny was unlucky in the 12th. minute when his shot was blocked and Vernon had an effort disallowed in the 35th. minute when he was adjudged to have fouled the keeper.

In the 69th. minute Halford hit the post and sent a wake up call to the Latics but it was one of those games where a scoreless draw would inevitably be the outcome. There were a worrying number of yellow cards for Athletic, with Appleby, Betsy, Haining, Hall and Kilkenny all receiving, four of which came in an unbelievable 10 minutes in the second half. It’s now a case of pick yourself up, dust yourself down and get ready for the big one on Saturday.

Speaking to the official site Brian Talbot commented, “They all felt tired today we knew that before we started the match. We said that if we got a draw today it would be a good result for us, especially at half time. We were under the cosh a little bit in the first half, but we rode it. Second half I don't think they created that much. We defended well as a team lead by example by Haining (pictured). He was a tower of strength. Him and Danny Hall are forming a good partnership. Alex Bruce came in and did a good job in his first ever league game. Then, with Holden, it was a blow to us when the skipper came off injured but Griff slotted in there and did a fine job as well.”

“David Eyres wasn't well. He is on antiboitics for a chest infection and we thought it was best that he did not travel. He has had a lot of games so we decided that the best thing to do was rest him. Kilkenny played free off the striker but he was tired. He couldn't get into the game but I think today was successful because we got a positive result.”