Oldham Athletic 3 Hartlepool United 2

Last Updated : 13-Sep-2004 by The Chairman
The Latics continued their recent form with a convincing win over Hartlepool United. New signing Kevin Betsy made his debut, ironically against the team he had just been on loan to and he turned in a display that earned him the man of the match award. The early play saw chances go begging for Mark Bonner and Chris Killen before Danny Boshell was unlucky with a 20 yard free-kick which just went wide. Hartlepool were below par and were finding it difficult to break through a resolute Latics defence. The deadlock was finally broken just before half time when John Eyre finished off a long punt upfield from Les Pogliacomi to put the Latics one up.

David Eyres almost scored just after half time but his header came back off the crossbar and minutes later he was unlucky again when another header hit the woodwork after some good work on the right wing from Betsy (pictured). Athletic went two up in the 60th. minute when Betsy unleashed a 20 yard rocket into the top corner making it the perfect debut. Jermain Johnson then replaced the injured Mark Bonner.

‘Pool tried hard to get back into the game and they were rewarded when a 30 yard effort from Westwood cut the deficit back to one. It was soon to be 3-1 though as Johnson scored inside the far post from 12 yards but Adam Griffin handed Hartlepool a late lifeline when he headed in a cross past his own keeper from 10 yards.

The final score of 3-2 did not really reflect the balance of play and the Latics could have had a more handsome win. However, another three points cannot be scoffed at and it is a useful platform to build before two tough games against Tranmere and Doncaster.


Brian Talbot complimented the players after the game by saying, “We played well today. We hadn't played for two weeks and I knew it would take us 20 minutes to get sorted out and get to the pace of the game. The players got stuck in and battled hard and dominated the game but we didn't look as though we were going to come in in front. Fortunately, we got the goal. It was a good goal with good play by John Eyre who used his body strength to get our noses in front. We then had to take that on. I'm really pleased that we've won today."

"If you'd said before the game you'll get 3 points today and you'll win by 1 goal, I'd have took it no question. The only disappointing thing is the defensive mistakes which have cost us two goals. I'm not going to harp on about it but we've got to look at it and say next time we've got to do better defensively because our attacking play at times was superb.”


“Kevin Betsy did okay. We expected that anyway didn't we? He got a goal and we know he's got ability. I thought he started a bit sluggish and lacked a bit of confidence. He looked a bit nervous so I came down to the bench and told him to relax and enjoy himself and be confident. He did very well and I just hope it's something which he's going to do regularly.”