SALFORD CITY 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Oldham Athletic are rapidly becoming Sky Bet League Two’s draw specialists after their fourth in a row, the latest stalemate at Salford City.
It was a valuable point and came only one month after Latics were beaten 4-1 at home by their neighbours.
This time a first goal for new-boy Danny Rowe late in the game cancelled out an early goal from Salford’s Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The draw leaves Latics eight points clear of bottom-club Stevenage.
Centre-back Carl Piergianni was ineligible to play against his parent club and Christopher Missilou relegated to the bench as Alex Iacovitti and Mohamad Sylla won recalls.
Salford made the brighter start with former Latics’ striker Adam Rooney and Thomas-Asante having early chances.
And it was not surprise when they took a 14th minute lead through Thomas-Asante.
Salford won penalty when Tom Hamer pulled back Rooney whose spot kick and follow-up shot were both saved by Zeus de la Paz.
It was a case of third-time lucky as Thomas-Asante forced the loose ball over the line.
Following the goal, the first half lacked any chances of note, the closest Latics came was Hamer’s header from Jonny Smith’s free kick, but he couldn’t direct it goalwards.
The Ammies came closest when Thomas-Asante’s effort was brilliantly blocked by captain David Wheater.
Head coach Dino Maamria’s side started the second half brightly with Smith forcing save from goalkeeper Kyle Letheren from a tight angle.
Graham Alexander’s men nearly doubled their advantage on the counter as Craig Conway was put clean through only for de la Paz to pull off a super save.
In the 83rd minute, Latics equalised after substitute Zak Dearnley played Rowe clean through and the striker kept his composure before firing past Letheren to spark joyous celebrations in the away end.
Goals: Thomas-Asante (16) for Salford. Rowe (83) for Oldham.
Oldham Athletic (4-3-3):de La Paz, Mills, Hamer, Wheater, Iacovitti; N’Guessan (Nepomuceno 72), Sylla, Maouche (Dearnley 60); Azankpo (Missilou 68), Smith, Rowe. Subs (not used): Allen, Wilson, Egert, Borthwick-Jackson.
Attendance 3,646 (1,328 visitors).