Latics End Season With Draw

Oldham had an unchanged lineup from the previous game but there were three changes on the bench as the released Calvin Zola and Dean Crowe created two spaces and Michael Clegg was dropped. Youth team players Kelvin Lomax, Matty Barlow and Marc Tierney found places on the bench. Notts County had one change from their last lineup, David Pipe who ruptured his ankle ligaments was replaced by Simon Baldry. Frazer McHugh went on the bench.

Nottingham was invaded by an army of Blue and Yellow as the Latics fans descended en mass to Meadow Lane for an end of season party to celebrate the clubs survival. A number of famous characters were among the away support today. Mr.Blobby, Batman & Robin, The Mask were a few noteable characters in the crowd but there were even more that I haven’t mentioned. Great effort!

First Half

The players came out to a big reception, the Oldham players made a great effort to come to the fans and thank them for their support this season, it was a great moment to see.

To the game now and it was Notts County who created the first opening, a cross from the right got behind the Oldham defence but no one in a County shirt could get a touch on the cross and it went harmlessly out of touch.

On 8 minutes Paul Murray went close crashing a powerful shot just wide and into the side netting. A minute later he nearly embarrassed keeper Deeney as he pushed his cross cum shot onto the bar and for a corner.

Dean Holden was next to come close midway through the second half as he rose well to head at goal but unfortunately it was easy for Deeney.

Mark Bonner had a shot from a long way out but his powerful dipping effort went just over the bar. He was then sent to the floor by an elbow from Ian Richardson, the Magpies skipper was booked for his challenge.

Shortly later the referee blew for half time, a fairly dull affair so far but Oldham on top so far.

Half Time: Notts County 0 Oldham Athletic 0

Second Half

Before the half started Notts County made a couple of changes. Jonathan Bewers and Shaun Harrad replaced Stefan Oakes and Matty Williams.

Oldham came out brighter and more inventive as they searched for the opening goal. Scott Vernon had a half chance blocked by Deeney and out for a corner.

A good move in the box found Will Haining in space but he hooked his effort over the bar when it looked easier to score.

With 60 minutes gone Oldham finally took the lead, a battling Paul Murray won the ball and made room for himself before sending a pass to Dean Holden, he ran at the defence found a space to shoot and fired an unstoppable shot into the net to send the Latics fans behind the goal into celebration. Any striker would have been proud of Holden’s effort. 1-0

On 64 minutes Darren Sheridan’s season ended as he was substituted and young Kelvin Lomax came on for his debut. Lomax looked very assured and confident. Pacey with a good touch, he looks a very promising player for someone only 17 years old.

County’s Bolland struck a fierce shot after some good pressing from them but Pogliacomi made a great save palming his shot over the bar.

Notts County made their last change as Andy Parkinson made way for Steve Scoffham.

With 10 minutes remaining Oldham made another substitution. Scott Vernon just missed out on his target of 15 goals for the season going 1 short but a good season from him, he was taken off and Matty Barlow made his debut for the club.

Barlow was quickly into the action as he and Deeney collided outside the box, Barlow came off the worst and was down for a little while. Then David Eyres and Steve Scoffham collided which ended with both players going off, David was able to walk off and was replaced by Ernie Cooksey, Steve Scoffham left on a stretcher and with Notts County having used all their substitutes were now down to ten men.

Just as though Oldham thought they had the win in the bag. Ian Richardson sent the ball into the box and Tony Barras jumped above Ernie Cooksey and headed past Pogliacomi for an equaliser. 1-1

The referee blew shortly later and the County fans came onto the pitch as is customary on the last home game of the season. The Oldham players and staff came over the applaude the fans again. Chants rung out for Paul Murray and David Eyres as the fans tried to plead with them to stay on, we shall see over the summer if it helped at all. Oldham gave a good performance today, signs definitely look promising next season. Can we challenge for promotion? Watch this space!

Final Score: Notts County 1 Oldham Athletic 1

Oldham Athletic: Pogliacomi, Holden, Sheridan, Murray (c), Eyre, Vernon, Hall, Haining, Bonner, Griffin, Eyres
Subs: Corry, Cooksey, Lomax, Tierney, Barlow

Notts County: Deeney, Fenton, Baraclough, Oakes, Barras, Richardson (c), Baldry, Wilson, Williams, Bolland, Parkinson
Subs: Barcherini, Scoffham, Harrad, Bewers, McHugh

Att: 6,715

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