As results go, yesterday’s victory at promotion-chasing Sheffield United can only be hailed as one of Oldham’s greatest in recent seasons.
An injury-ravaged side, made even worse when it was confirmed that Robbie Simpson, scorer of an exquisite goal at Anfield in January and who has been a reassuring presence amongst a group of players whose average is 21, had broken his toe and would miss the trip to Bramall Lane.
While he may deny so, Oldham manager Paul Dickov would board the coach for the trip over the Pennines with an uneasy feeling. Pondering how best to avoid a repeat showing and result such as the one in Oldham’s previous away match – a 5-0 loss to MK Dons - all Dickov could do is produce words of encouragement.
At half-time, the brittle away side were 2-0 down. Against a side who boasted a phenomenal home record – the best in League One – the omens bore stark similarities to the ones present at the MK Arena.
A midweek draw at home to Colchester felt like two points dropped, although it added some momentum after victory against Tranmere three days earlier. Four points from those two home encounters meant Oldham had done the important thing and secured points before this tough trip to Sheffield. However, the next 45 minutes could potentially define Oldham’s season. After weathering some early second-half pressure, in which United hit the post, Dickov’s young flipped the entire match on its head, and set about securing their best league result this season.
A quick-fire double, sandwiched in-between United’s Matthew Lowton being sent off, had Latics level, and unimaginably in control of a match that looked doomed at the interval. The match then turned into an attacking melee; both sides, to each of their credit, looked only for a winner. Danny Wilson, United’s manager, even threw on strikers Will Hoskins and James Beattie with five minutes to play.
But right at the death, Latics snatched a memorable winner, as United completely lost all discipline. Rueben Reid, making his first appearance since September, had only the keeper to beat when he was pulled back by Harry Maguire. Maguire was given a straight red and Oldham was awarded a penalty in what had turned into total chaos for United. Shefki Kuqi sent Simonsen the wrong way and gave the Latics a last-gasp victory.
Such character when all seemed lost is something Dickov has to take a lot of credit for. While the Scot has his faults and has made errors, his belief in his young stars has produced a confidence that they can compete, no matter the opposition. Having been totally outplayed against MK Dons, his players have once again responded in the most positive way. Seven points from three matches has moved Oldham away from the grasp of the bottom four teams, and now with two more home matches in the next seven days they can propel themselves into the top half of League One, but results will be secured only if the application is correct.
Should they perform like they did in the second-half on Saturday it is difficult to see how Scunthorpe or Yeovil, who are both undergoing resurgence in form and results, will cope.
The rest of March, with its incredibly stamina-testing schedule, consists of some difficult fixtures, but none more so than Sheffield United. Oldham has done the hardest job, but their next task is to follow up this terrific result with victory on Tuesday.
My bet is that by the end of the month, the league, excluding the top five, will look very different to what it does now. If Dickov’s side can take the pace and gain momentum as the month wears on there is still the chance of a late assault on the Play-offs. It’s as likely as Charlton surrendering the title, but as long as the maths is possible there is always a flicker of hope.
By Oldham Athletic blogger Craig Worswick
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