MILTON KEYNES DONS 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
What a contrast in emotions over the space of three days.
After the joy of scoring an injury-time winner at Chesterfield on Saturday, this time there was heartbreak as Latics lost in the 96th minute of their Sky Bet League One match at Milton Keynes Dons.
As Latics waited for the final whistle thinking they had secured a valuable point in their battle to beat the drop, came a cruel blow.
The fourth official had signalled four additional minutes but Dons’ winner from substitute Nicky Maynard came after 95 minutes and 20 seconds to leave Latics disappointed and frustrated.
Manager John Sheridan could not fault the effort and commitment of his players, though he conceded they lacked quality on the ball.
And while they defended robustly, they again rarely looked like scoring – 17 goals in 30 league games in a damning statistic about the side’s acute lack of firepower.
Sheridan made two changes to his side from the weekend win against Chesterfield. Tope Obadeyi came in for his debut, whilst Paul Green started the game in a five-man midfield as Anthony Gerrard was banned and Ryan Flynn dropped to the bench as the manager switched from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1.
Latics had the first chance of the half after six minutes, but Obadeyi’s header from Green’s cross flew wide of David Martin’s goal.
Sheridan’s men were taking the game to their hosts as Rob Hunt crossed for Aaron Amadi-Holloway whose shot was saved by Martin.
Dean Bowditch got behind Latics’ defence, but a superb recovery tackle from captain Peter Clarke saved the day.
Striker Kieran Agard missed his kick in front of goal from a Bowditch cross.
The striker had a chance to redeem himself minutes later but he took too long in front of goal as Ryan McLaughlin this time blocked his effort.
MK Dons enjoyed the most of the possession, but they were struggling to make in-roads through a well-drilled Latics’ defence.
Both sides had chances to score before half time.
First Bowditch fired after 40 minutes before Chris Taylor’s cross found the head of Holloway but the striker’s header flew inches past the far post.
Latics started the second half well, frustrating their opponents, forcing MK Dons into a double change early into the second half.
But it was Latics who continued to stand resolute and look threatening on the break.
Holloway held the ball up on the hour mark, fed Aiden O’Neill 25 yards from goal but the Burnley midfielder just could not keep his effort down.
However, it was Latics’ substitute Darius Osei who almost forced the opening goal of the game after 65 minutes.
The striker won the ball in the middle of the park, raced at the defence but dragged his shot wide from 12 yards.
Latics had half a shout for a penalty after 80 minutes as Osei went down but the referee was unmoved. The striker then narrowly failed to reach a Flynn cross into the box five minutes from time.
Lee Croft replaced Paul Green in the 93rd minute of the game, something that presumably explained why more than four minutes of added time was played.
And in the 96th minute, Dons struck the telling blow when Maynard volleyed home from the edge of the box and he found the bottom corner, the cruellest of blows.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; McLaughlin, Wilson, Clarke, Hunt; Taylor (Flynn 83), Fane, O’Neill, Green (Croft 90+3), Obadeyi (Osei 60); Holloway. Subs (not used): Law, Reckord, Banks, Ngoo.
Goal: Maynard 90+6 for MK Dons.
Attendance: 7,598 (209 visitors)