OXFORD UNITED 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Oldham Athletic displayed the battling qualities they lacked in the Emirates FA Cup defeat at Lincoln City to grind out a valuable point at Oxford United in their fight for survival in Sky Bet League One.
And the point picked up at the Kassam Stadium was achieved after playing more than half an hour with 10 men after Ousmane Fane’s second sending off this season. They had to defend resolutely in the latter stages to earn a share of the spoils.
Centre-back Cameron Burgess gave Latics a dream start with an early goal, but Oxford hit back through a spectacular strike from Rob Hall early in the second period.
And it was became a feisty affair, Fane was not the only one to see red as the U’s manager Michael Appleton and Latics’ goalkeeping coach Carlo Nash were sent to the stand after a touchline bust up.
But it was a performance that pleased manager Stephen Robinson who declared after the Lincoln loss there were players who would not turn out for the club again.
And he reinforce that after the draw at Oxford declaring he will stick with the 12 or 13 players on duty at Oxford until January when he will be able to bring in reinforcements.
It was all change as Latics’ manager made five changes to the side that started at Lincoln.
Josh Law and Charles Dunne were the new full-back pairing, Ryan Flynn returned after injury and Fane were also restored to midfield and Billy Mckay started up front.
The players losing out were Cameron Dummigan, Jamie Reckford, Carl Winchester, Lee Erwin and Freddie Ladapo, thigh the latter was injured.
Latics hit the ground running and could have taken a first-minute lead, but Ryan McLaughlin headed over.
Oxford responded and almost took the lead after four minutes when Chris Maguire’s strong run had to be tipped around the post by keeper Connor Ripley.
Latics made the breakthrough after 10 minutes when Ollie Banks was fouled. He picked himself up and his free kick caused mayhem in the U’s defence as they failed to clear as Burgess fired home from six yards.
However, the U’s almost equalised straight away as Marvin Johnson’s cross found Kane Hemmings but he shot over.
Latics defended well and the home side was restricted to shots outside the box as Maguire and John Lundstram both saw long range efforts go over Ripley’s crossbar.
Latics were almost two goals ahead when Dunne’s cross was dummied by Flynn into the path of Banks. The midfielder set himself, crossed but the ball just flashed in front of Mckay.
Oxford won a free kick just before half time, but Maguire’s effort from 25 yards was well saved by Ripley.
Latics were dealt a blow at the start of the second half as Mckay was forced to go off with a head injury.
The striker went down under a challenge, had blood pouring from his head, an incident in which did not warrant a foul from the referee.
Lee Erwin was introduced in place of the forward and the home side was level two minutes later through a wonder strike from Hall.
The winger received the ball from a throw in and hit his shot from 25 yards into the top corner giving Ripley no chance.
Laics were on the rocks as Ripley was tested again minutes later from Ryan Ledson, but made a smart save.
Just before the hour, Latics were reduced to 10 men after Fane received his second booking of the game for a late challenge on Johnson.
Hemmings almost gave the home side the lead, but volleyed wide.
Ryan Ledson, Johnson and Maguire all went close as Ripley was the star of the show, and not for the first time this season.
Appleton and Nash were sent to the stands with 10 minutes left as it heated up on both benches.
Latics were defending resolutely and soaking up a lot of pressure and in the final minute Ripley pulled off a wonder save to deny Johnson.
The injury to Mckay and the shenanigans on the sidelines meant there were seven added minutes.
Oxford had a penalty appeal rejected as Latics held on for a point.
Oldham Athletic (4-5-1): Ripley; Law, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; McLaughlin (Wilson 85), Banks, Fane, Green, Flynn (Croft 68), Mckay (Erwin 52). Subs (not used): Kettings, King, Dummigan, Osei.
Goals: Hall (54) for Oxford, Burgess 10 for Oldham.
Attendance: 7,430 (449 visiting supporters)