The Latics endured 2 tasty games against north-west rivalries, as the fixture list lined up 2 potentially explosive matches. So far, this opening to the season hasn't been so easy, indeed a tricky opening defeat to Cardiff was followed by a determined, rugged win against Peterborough (at a ground we haven't won at for 36 years) and a resolute job at Brentford with 10 men for half an hour. That against a team which last season netted a similar 68 league goals to the Latics and who just missed out on promotion.
Therefore, this weekend's round of matches would be interesting and show the character in which the Latics must continue in. Against Tranmere, a not so crisp performance heralded the Latics first home win and a 3rd clean sheet in a row, closely followed days later with a 4th clean sheet. This all spells great possibilities for success.
It has always been obvious that the emphasis this season would be to defend. And due to this, we obviously won't be bulging the oppositions net at the same rate either, but as things stand - that matters not. Long may the 1-0 away wins continue or even 0-0 draws continue. As a good friend of mine said as we walked away from Bloomfield Road, if we can accumulate 4pts every 2 games as we have this weekend, then we'll be promotion candidates.
The worry though is that injuries and suspensions may see the teams resilience tested to breaking point. Although the decisions have been harsh and highly contentious of late, nevertheless, the Latics are racking up the yellows and reds. Personally, I'm surprised the club has not asked the FA to intervene in both Hall's and Appleby's instances, as in the Premiership we've seen several examples of wiped yellows already this season - most arguable that of Cisse's on Ashley Cole. Surely if that is scrubbed, Hall's 2nd at Brentford should be and maybe even the one he got vs Tranmere for slipping over and taking the man.
All in all, defensively the Latics hold the key and no opposition is yet picking away at the lock. Noticeably, we've not conceded with Clint Hill on the field. Les Pogliacomi can count the saves he's had to make on one hand (no pun intended!), therefore we need to hope that despite the Latics not hitting full flow in possession, Killen persists with his dogged work upfront, Eyres and Low continue to look dominant on the wings and the midfield, an area which has lacked any bite this season, begins to show its full potential.
To focus on the midfield, we've clearly seen Appleby struggle so far. Although admittedly, from the hour mark against Tranmere his performance improved and stretched into the seaside game (obviously bar the red card.) Not one midfielder has yet put their scent on the Latics midfield, with Duxbury being the man who looks most determined and successful in what he does. Maybe we're missing Murray and Carss too much. Hopefully, the latter will get his chance during Appleby's suspension but so far, the most potent weapon of the Latics during the 2001/02 season seems not as lethal this time round. Hopefully time will make the difference.
You can see that once Armstrong slots in at left-back, Holden replaces Clegg at right-back, Murray lines up in midfield and the Latics give 100% for 90 minutes, there are times that the opposition will crumble to us this season. The potential really is there and as stated, so far we've been playing difficult sides home and away. Still to come at the Luton's of the division, sides which will endure a struggle in Division 2. Once they grace Boundary Park, we may give them some of that 68 goal treatment from last season and then we really will be rocketing. So the future is bright - and a little bluer than orange.
Latics vs Tranmere
Although this performance wasn't a classic, you had to feel that the Latics were well worthy of the points. Tranmere looked average - very average. Only flashes of inspiration from Koumas et al, saw the opponents threaten but from mid-way through the first half, you never felt that they could score, especially after the hilarious air-kick by Price infront of goal.
However, as stated the Latics display was far from polished either, and Michael Clegg showed us a speciality that he learnt at the sty down the road with a hilarious throw-in. Which was more the funnier, his pathetic attempt at the throw or him chasing the ball as though the ref was going to give another chance, is up to you - answers on a postcard please.
And to cap off such a humorous display at times, Clyde Wijnhard somehow hit the ball over the bar from 2 yards out.
Despite being the more likely to win though, the Latics did allow their control to slip as the first half wore on. Indeed for a spell towards the end of the half, the hosts looked to be creating their own problems, with silly balls being played at the back and the midfield not tucking in to pick up second balls (at either end.) Indeed, for the end of the half, Tranmere held good possession and kept coming at us. Hall, Hill and Berehall (unusually playing LB) all stood resolute and never looked like shirking or being left standing. That was pleasing to see and became the reason for so few chances.
The Latics played much better in the second half though. Josh Low ran for everything and almost netted a truly wonderful attempt as he ran from right to left, back into the middle, running through several challenges before picking his spot. That obstacle known as a goalkeeper stopped Low netting his first league goal for Oldham - one which would have been played for a long time. It was evidence though that the lad has goals in him.
Eventually, the Latics took a deserved lead after a number of 2nd half corners. Only seconds earlier had Corazzin replaced Killen and with his first touch, headed a cracking effort just over. This time though, Hill majestically rose above his marker and directed a powerful header home - heading is his forte be it at the back or upfront. What a response to those fans who had been heckling him with "Tranmere reject." That was soon sang back to the sad, away fans with glee and taunt. The reply was inevitable - "Judas" came the chanted reply. 1-0.
The Latics didn't wait about to finish off the job. Corazzin looking like a man possessed, superbly headed on a Josh Low ball to leave the defence stretched and Wijnhard clean through. However, the former Leeds United forward who is being linked with Galatasaray by some, still had plenty to do as the ball was high and the Tranmere keeper was rushing out at him. In mid-air and at full stretch, Wijnhard coolly toed the ball into the opposite corner leaving the Tranmere goalie stranded. 2-0.
Never did the hosts look troubled after this and Eyres nearly added himself to the score sheet as he ambitiously swung a boot at the ball from the edge of the box. This dipped just over. That signalled the end of a match where the Latics sometimes looked like they were going to beat themselves. Tranmere looked poor and their first defeat will hopefully be one of many. Once Koumas leaves, there appears little in the squad that will push for a promotion challenge. Maybe the star of the match highlights their plight - Hill looks an absolute bargain and might be the sign that Tranmere are little more than a selling club that's going nowhere. We shall see.
Blackpool vs Latics
What a glorious day at Bloomfield Road. Well, it was until Mr Leakes descended from the tunnel to wreak havoc. This was one of those games where you watch every move the man in black makes and wonder what contentious nonsense he is to dream up next. In truth, his actions ruined the game for both sides and it was a clear cut game of, "oh dear, I've made a mess and now I'm going to make an even bigger mess by trying to even things up."
His performance began with him giving fairly decent decisions and although tangerine counter-parts may disagree, he acted impartially for about 10 minutes before deciding he'd given us enough of the decisions. The Latics probably continued to go in as hard for challenges because of this, but the referee took the easy option every time. If it looked like half & half, he would award a decision to one side. Then he'd award the next one to the other side. He enjoyed flashing the yellow cards, one of which was absolutely ridiculous for Eyres as he was the one on the ground who was fouled. Even worse was the decision over Appleby. In perfect view, I watched as Appleby and Coid tussled together as they headed towards the Latics box. You knew what was coming as Coid lunged over in a heap for the white line, in desperation for a penalty. Cheap decision, after cheap decision had been the way this game had gone, therefore I was probably stupid to think the ref had blown to book Coid for diving. But I honestly did. I couldn't believe my eyes when it was actually Appleby that was to be penalised, which meant a 2nd yellow and a red to follow. That, two minutes into injury time, pretty much summed up the way the game was policed.
Out of the attacking exchanges though, the Latics were always better off. They looked more likely to score for most of the match, apart from it seemed, towards the end of each half. For some reason, the Latics always seem to struggle after the 35th minute of a half. They did in the first half against Tranmere and they did in both halves at Bloomfield Road. Fortunately, Blackpool were never strong enough to penetrate.
Indeed, this match would have had a different outcome, had it not been for missed opportunities. Duxbury had a number of efforts, for which his most guilty offence was lashing the ball over from 8 yards with the goal crying out to be hit. Killen hustled and bustled and his off the ball running was causing problems for the defence and allowing the Latics to take control of the wings and Wijnhard to run more freely through the middle. You could see how they worked, Killen pulling men here and there for Wijnhard to nip into the gaps. They seem to have this understanding already.
Unfortunately, as on Saturday, the midfield never backed up the attack in the way it should. It never seems to know what it's doing, as defensively it should drop back to cover the defence and in attack, it should push up to bolster the front men. It seems to drift more in the middle, doing neither. Whereas Tranmere were never good enough to take control of the midfield, against Blackpool in a way it was important that this occurred, as it turned out to be a real mincer in the middle. To lose control of this area, would have been to lose the game.
The Latics did keep control for some good spells and Killen did have the ball in the net twice, once ruled out for a foul and the other for offside. The best saves of the match though were one from each keeper. Barnes pulled off a terrific single-handed stop when Winjhard swivelled and shot for the top corner. It was a snapshot of a save from 6 yards and should have seen the Latics go in ahead at half-time.
However, the reverse almost happened 7 minutes from full-time but for Les Pogliacomi pulling off a superb fingertip save. After intense pressure on the edge of the box, Wellens slipped in Taylor who hit a badly stuck effort from 8 yards. Despite lack of real pace on the ball, the effort was low and heading through a crowd to the bottom corner, so agility was the key. Pogi stooped low and tipped away at full stretch. This was Blackpool's biggest and most memorable chance of the game. The Latics gave nothing and soaked up pressure like a sponge. Mind you, when you have 4 centre-backs (Hill, Hall, Berehall and sub Baudet) on the pitch at times in a game, you expect that. But one tip for Mr Dowie - Baudet is not a right-wing back but it was funny to see him try :-)
All in all, this is 4 very worthy points from the Bank Holiday Weekend. That has set the Latics up nicely. We're slowly but surely going about our job. Let's just hope we can keep Winjhard - but something called money makes me suspect we can't. At least he'll be in to destroy Wycombe this Saturday; a tie the Latics should rack up a few goals in. Here's hoping.