LEYTON ORIENT 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2
Zak Dearnley’s double helped Oldham Athletic earn a valuable point at Leyton Orient in Sky Bet League Two.
The striker, without a club since leaving Manchester United last summer, made it three goals in as many games as he bids to earn a long-term deal following his arrival in January.
Dearnley impressed as Latics secured back-to-back draws having previously suffered two losses in a row at Crewe and Exeter.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was missing after becoming a father on the eve of the match and his place went to David Wheater as Latics’ captain returned following a one-match ban, one of two changes from the home draw against Forest Green Rovers.
The other saw Mohammad Sylla recalled in place of Gevaro Nepomuceno to add steel to the midfield.
Orient took an 13th minute lead and it was unlucky for Latics’ Tom Hamer.
Ousseynou Cisse headed a corner towards goal and it was deflected in off the unfortunate Hamer who was credited with an own goal.
Latics were level within two minutes when Carl Piergianni headed a corner towards goal and Dearnley tapped in from almost on the line.
And an amazing turnaround continued when they went ahead in the 18th minute when Dearnley struck for a second time, again from a corner.
This time Wheater met a corner and his header was diverted past goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.
Latics had a chance to add a third goal before the break when Dearnley turned provider to set up Danny Rowe fired over.
The O’s started the second half brightly and in the 54th minute, Ross Embleton’s side equalised as Christopher Missilou gave away a needless free kick on the left.
Josh Wright’s dead ball was headed across the face of goal by former Latics’ loanee Connor Wilkinson for Danny Johnson to apply the finishing touch.
Latics thought they had restored their lead moments later when Wheater found the net, but it was ruled out for a foul by Piergianni in the build-up.
Orient dominated the play for the rest of the second half but couldn’t find the finishing touch and break down Latics’ defence.
There was nearly late drama for both sides who could each have snatched a late winner.
Rowe’s header was well saved by Vigouroux while Orient had a chance but Wheater came to the rescue heading off the line.
This was the first point Latics had picked up at Brisbane Road since December 2011, an indication as to how well they had done.
Goals: Hamer (13og), Johnson (54) for Orient. Dearnley (15, 18) for Oldham.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2):Woods; Hamer, Wheater, Piergianni, Mills; Smith, Sylla, McCann, Missilou (Maouche 71); Dearnley (Dieseruvwe 83), Rowe. Subs (not used): de La Paz, Branger-Engone, Nepomuceno, N’Guessan, Dieseruvwe, Borthwick-Jackson.
Attendance 5,334 (522 visitors).