OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, NORTHAMPTON TOWN 2
Oldham Athletic’s never-say-die spirit was rewarded as late goals from substitute Scott Wilson and Jonny Smith earned them a home draw against Northampton Town.
And it felt like a victory for Latics who were 2-0 behind in the 85th minute and staring down the barrel of another damaging defeat.
But fans – the home contingent was disappointingly less than 3,000 – left Boundary Park happy after this late, late show.
It also extended Latics’ unbeaten match to three league matches in which they have amassed five points, though they remain only three clear off bottom spot.
Chris Eagles for Wilson was the one change from the side that was involved in a goalless draw at Port Vale the previous week.
This resulted in a tactical switch from 4-4-2 at Port Vale to 4-3-3 which also at times became 4-5-1.
Northampton started the game brightly and early on goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz was called into action to repel Matty Warburton.
The Cobblers took a sixth minute lead when Warburton bundled home the ball following a goalmouth scramble.
Latics had two chances in quick succession to equalise as Filipe Morais’ effort was parried by goalkeeper David Cornell and then his follow-up strike cleared the crossbar.
The Cobblers nearly doubled their lead just before the interval as a corner found Warburton and his header smashed the crossbar before Harry Smith headed just wide to relieve the pressure.
In the second half, Nicky Adams set up the lively Warburton who again fired over.
Northampton extended their lead in the 80th minute as substitute Andy Williams received the ball on the edge of Latics’ penalty area and he turned before his strike found the top corner.
Dino Maamria’s side pulled a goal back in the 85th minute as Wilson, who had replaced Desire Segbe Azankpo mid-half, was put clean through as he slotted a low shot past Cornell.
In the 89th minute, Latics equalised when Smith’s cross luckily looped over the Cornell and into the back of the net to rescue a point.
Goals: Wilson (85) and Smith (89) for Oldham. Warburton (6) and Williams (80) for Northampton.
Oldham Athletic 2-2 Northampton Town.
Oldham Athletic (4-5-1): de la Paz; Hamer, Wheater, Stott, Iacovitti; Eagles, McCann, Missilou (Emmerson 82), Morais (Maouche 77), Smith; Azankpo (Wilson 67). Subs (not used): Wood, Egert, Sylla, Fage.
Attendance 3,274 (353 visitors).