SHEFFIELD UTD 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Oldham Athletic put down another marker that they can mix it with the best as they drew at Sheffield United, one of the favourites for promotion from Sky Bet League One.
Jonathan Forte scored his 12th goal of the season to give Latics an early lead, but they were pegged back by a second-half strike from Jamal Campbell-Ryce.
It was another good performance from Latics who have lost only once in their last 17 league and cup games.
And the only bad news for Latics was the dismissal of striker Jabo Ibehre for picking up two bookings.
Genseric Kusunga replaced the injured Brian Wilson at right back, the one change from the side which was held at home by Crawley Town last Saturday.
Former Latics’ striker Jose Baxter had an early chance for the Blades, but keeper Paul Rachubka proved unbeatable parrying away his shot.
But it was Latics who took a 16th minute lead through Forte who was set up by loan-signing Daniel Johnson’s great ball over the home defence as he finished with great aplomb.
Johnson fired just over and then Ibehre miscontrolled when clean through as Latics could easily have doubled their lead.
The Blades hit back as Scott Dougall shot just wide and Bob Harris was denied by a super save from Rachubka just before the break.
They introduced Campbell-Ryce on the hour and he made an instant impact scoring within two minutes of making his entrance when he fired home after being set up by Craig Alcock.
Joseph Mills had a chance to put Latics back ahead, but the left back shot narrowly wide.
But with five minutes left, Ibehre picked up his second booking leaving Latics with 10 men for the latter stages of an absorbing match.
Latics were upset when substitute Dominic Poleon was held back by last-man Jay McEveley who escaped with a yellow card as they finished with a well-deserved point.