Oldham made only one change from the previous game. Scott Vernon replaced Jermaine Johnson in attack and Calvin Zola got a place on the bench.First Half
The game started slowly as Chesterfield defender Alan O’Hare got caught by a committed challenge from captain Paul Murray in the first minute.
Oldham forced a flurry of corners and Muggleton had to be at his best to prevent Oldham scoring direct from them.
Mark Bonner had a strong shot on 15 minutes but Muggleton managed to save it and the defence clear as Oldham players rushed to the rebound.
Scott Vernon nearly capitalised on a weak header to the keeper but as Vernon advanced Muggleton dived on the ball.
Chesterfield had a similar opportunity when David Reeves played the ball forward and Glynn Hurst outpaced Will Haining but Pogliacomi just got to the ball first.
John Eyre then created a good chance, the ball came in from Mark Bonner and Eyre controlled and volleyed the ball at goal in one movement but it went flying just over. Then Dean Holden shot but his effort was comfortable enough for Muggleton.
The whistle went for the end of the first half with the score goalless. Oldham had the chances and the possession but couldn’t turn it into goals. A good performance though.
Half Time: Oldham Athletic 0 Chesterfield 0
Second Half
Minutes into the second half Will Haining was caught out by a long ball over the top, he could only weakly head it backwards into the path of Glynn Hurst, he ran towards goal and Pogliacomi came out to narrow the angle, Hurst shot, Chesterfield were celebrating early but his shot went just wide to the dispare of the travelling fans.
Chesterfield were punished for the missed opportunity minutes later. David Eyres won the ball in the Oldham half and brought it forward, he sent the ball over the Chesterfield defence into the path of John Eyre, he raced at goal but his shot was parried by Muggleton, luckily the ball rebounded against Eyre and rolled into the net. 1-0
Derek Niven went into the referee’s notebook after challenging Mark Bonner for the ball ending up taking Bonner down in frustration.
Chesterfield should have equalised minutes later when Glynn Hurst got his head to a cross but Pogliacomi made a superb low diving save and David Reeves hit the follow up into the side netting. Pogliacomi is fast becoming renouned for his fantastic shot stopping, he has saved Oldham countless times this season and is on top form!
Chesterfield made a substitution after that chance. Former Oldham player Mark Innes went off to a warm reception by both sets of fans and on came Tcham N’Toya to replace him.
Chris Brandon fell down looking for a foul and dived on the ball with his hands to the annoyance of the Oldham fans, he wouldn’t give the ball back and when he eventually did he gave Murray a slap for his troubles, the referee had a word with both players but no cards were issued.
Brandon then received a booking minutes later after taking down Mark Bonner as he looked to be running into a good attacking position.
Paul Murray struck a good shot that looked like sneaking in at the near post but Muggleton who saw it late caught the ball and saved well.
With around twenty minutes to go Scott Vernon came off and Dean Crowe came on to try and make an impression and David Reeves came off to cheers from the Oldham fans, Marvin Robinson came on for the veteran.
With ten minutes to goal the points were secured. Another pass left John Eyre with a clear run on goal from the side, this time he blasted his shot past Muggleton into the roof of the net to cue a mass exodus from the travelling Chesterfield fans. 2-0
Oldham who had barely been out of first gear for most of the game eased down even more. The fans relieved that the club was staying up started to chant, a long, hard season was nearly over.
The final whistle to cheers from the home fans and cued a mass pitch invasion. Oldham had secured safety, a fantastic effort considering all the problems in the summer. The players came out on the pitch again for a lap of honour, the fans stayed behind to applaud the team for their hard work.
Final Score: Oldham Athletic 2 Chesterfield 0
So that is it, we are safe at long last. A good effort from the players today in a comfortable display. The lowest Oldham can finish now is where they are now in 15th as Sheffield Wednesday lost to Luton Town, their inferior goal difference meaning it would take some miracle for Wednesday to get above us.
Last game of the season next sautrday away to Notts County, party time! Get to Meadow Lane and sing your hearts out for the lads! Keep the Faith!
