MATCH REPORT: Rochdale 0-0 Oldham Athletic

With one point separating 20th placed Oldham and 21st placed Rochdale, this local derby really was a proper relegation scrap. Richie Wellens’ side has struggled in recent weeks.

Despite being five games unbeaten, Latics have recorded just one win in the last five games whilst their rivals down the road are very much on the up – sitting 8th in the 6-game form table.

The lack of fight seen from the Latics players in recent weeks has become the source of most concern, so it was reassuring that the team in tangerine looked to be up for the fight.

However, the recent weeks have shown that the Oldham frontline has become ever more isolated. The usually potent attacking prowess of Eoin Doyle has been lost as the Irishmen has lacked support and has failed to take the few chances he does get. The main attacking outlet has become Duckens Nazon, whose attacking philosophy very much focuses on himself.

This proved itself early on, where a teasing cross from Hamer failed to find anyone in the box.

In the 21st minute, the clearest chance of the game presented it to Dale. Anthony Gerrard slipped and Done took advantage by beating the defender and playing a dangerous cross to Rathbone, who didn’t connect properly. The ball skewed into the air and found Calvin Andrew who nodded the ball down to the right of Placide – the Haitian sensation pulled off a miraculous save to deny him.

In the 33rd minute, Dale won a penalty Gerrard tripped Thompson. This provided the spark for the moment that has made national newspapers.

An Oldham fan, seemingly frustrated by the penalty decision, paraded onto the field of play with the intent of confronting referee Peter Bankes. Bankes managed to move out of the way before Latics skipper Anthony Gerrard brought the fan to the ground and stewards removed him from the field of play.

This allowed Rafferty to line up and pick his spot for the penalty. However, this pivotal chance to pull the Dale out of the relegation zone was denied – Pacide guessed the right way and made the save.

Then Dale piled on the pressure following this penalty but just couldn’t find the net – Andrew and Edmundson enjoyed a physical battle which made things tense for both sides but proved enough to keep the muscular striker at bay.

HALF TIME: Rochdale 0-0 Oldham Athletic

The second half began much the way the first ended. Following that penalty miss, Dale looked really up for the game and Oldham were clinging on.

Chances fell time and time again for the home side, who just couldn’t find the net (despite rather limp defending from the visitors).

The home fans found themselves celebrating in the 70th minute when Calvin Andrew bundled the ball over the line.

The referee initially gave the goal but after consulting with his linesman, it was determined that Andrew had fouled Placide.

Dale continued to bombard the Latics defence but somehow it just did not happen. In the final moments of the game, it seemed Oldham may snatch the win as Holloway and Doyle partnered up to create some key chances – the closest coming when Holloway flicked onto Doyle in the 94th minute. The Irishman, however, volleyed the ball over the goal and the match finished 0-0.

Of the two sides playing last night only one of them looked to play football and it wasn’t Oldham. With 4 games remaining things look very precarious for the Latics. Whilst Rochdale look to have a real spirit, which will serve them well in their remaining games.

FULL TIME: Rochdale 0-0 Oldham Athletic

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty (Wiseman 87’), McNulty, McGahey, Andrew, Camps, Rathbone, Thompson (Humphrys 69’), Done, Inman, Delaney.

Subs not used: Ntlhe, Moore, Adshead, Kitching, Gillam.

Oldham Athletic: Placide, Hunt, Gerrard, Edmundson, Hamer, Fane, Gardner, Pringle (McEleney 59’), Byrne (Holloway 66’), Nazon (Obadeyi 77’), Doyle.

Subs not used: De La Paz, Nepomuceno, Benyu, Benteke.

Attendance: 6,261 (2,827 visiting supporters)

words Chris Stringer, D3D4 Oldham Athletic correspondent