SCUNTHORPE UNITED 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2
Lightning struck twice as Oldham Athletic threw away a two-goal lead in what would turn out to be Laurent Banide’s last match as head coach.
This time the slip-up was at Scunthorpe United where goals from Christopher Missilou and Johan Branger-Engone gave Latics what looked a commanding advantage.
Latics were again unable to close out the game to the annoyance of Banide as goals from Matthew Lund, a former Boundary Park loanee, and Kevin van Veen pegged them back.
It was Latics’ third consecutive 2-2 draw but, with only one win in nine league games, the pressure was mounting on Banide who was dismissed two days later.
Chris Eagles won a recall in place of Mohamed Sylla, the one change from the side held at home by Grimsby Town three days earlier.
The Iron’s first goal attempt came when David Wheater lost possession. As Abo Eisa lined up a shot, Latics’ captain make amends quickly by tackling cleanly in the box to stop the shot.
Dutchman Kevin van Veen then curled an effort over the crossbar.
Both sides created half chances in a largely uneventful goalless opening period.
As the second half began, it was Latics who stunned Glanford Park with two quick goals after van Veen hit the upright from a dead ball on the hour mark.
The first goal was from Missilou. Breaking free on the left, the midfielder calmly slotted a shot into the far corner.
It was only just over 60 seconds later before Banide’s team doubled their lead. On his 50th appearance for the club, Branger-Engone received the ball in space on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that squirmed under home goalkeeper Rory Watson.
Unfortunately, Latics would squander a two-goal lead again, conceding the first less than five minutes later.
Lund was left free at the far post and from close range guided it past Woods to change the complexion of the game.
With Paul Hurst’s side searching for that all-important equaliser, it was substitute Ryan Colclough who nearly made an instant impact when he headed over from close range.
However, Scunthorpe drew level in the 76th minute. With van Veen receiving the ball on the left, he skipped past Jonny Smith before firing across goal.
As the game came to a close, both teams had chances to find the winner with a flurry of yellow cards also following.
The most notable for Latics came when Azankpo’s back post header was cleared off the line acrobatically with ten minutes remaining.
Five minutes after and Colclough beat two player before finding his shot deflected at close range, the ball spinning away and brushing the far post.
But both teams would have to settle with a point, with Latics obviously feeling deflated again after doing so well to take the lead.
Oldham Athletic (4-5-1) Woods; Hamer, Iacovitti, Wheater, Fage; Branger-Engone (Smith 75), Maouche (Mills 90), Missilou, Eagles (Sylla 65), Branger-Engone; Azankpo. Subs (not used): Stott, Wilson, McHale, Zabret.
The goals: Lund (68), van Veen (77) for Scunthorpe. Missilou (62), Branger-Engone (64) for Oldham.
Attendance: 3,020.