Danny Rowe’s late goal was enough to secure a point for Oldham as Salford failed to capitalise on their dominance. 

Following a cagey opening 10 minutes, which had few chances for either side, Salford were awarded a controversial penalty in the 13th minute. The referee judged that Zak Mills had brought down Adam Rooney; in truth, there was little contact.

Rooney’s penalty and rebound were well stopped by De La Paz but Thomas-Asante managed to force the ball over the line; this again caused controversy as many believed the keeper had been fouled in the process.

Salford began a period of possessional dominance but failed to create more chances. In contrast, though, Oldham looked very poor. Their first real chance came in the 34th minute when Segbe Azankpo’s speculative effort was saved by Letheren. The ironic cheers from the away fans that followed this chance summarised their side’s performance.

The first half had been dull and neither side covered themselves in glory. Salford had been the better side, though, and walked in 1-0 up at half-time.

The start of the second half saw improvement from Oldham. A free kick in the 50th minute resulted in a volley from Zak Mills. His attempt went over.

A period of dominance then resumed from Salford, as The Ammies began creating a number of chances but they lacked a clinical edge. Asante was causing the Latics defence most trouble, but Wheater was typically strong in blocking his shots.

Salford really should have doubled their lead in the 74th minute. A rapid counter-attack from Asante resulted in Andrade receiving the ball. He exquisitely backheeled it to Conway whose shot was well saved.

Nine minutes later Oldham levelled the score thanks to new signing Danny Rowe. A counter-attack saw Zak Dearnley collect the ball and played a nice pass through to Rowe who beat his man well and smashed into the bottom left-hand corner.

The remaining time showed real fight from the Latics but it was ultimately too little too late. The game ended level and pressure is now mounting on Oldham boss Dino Maamria, who is without a win in seven.

Salford City 1-1 Oldham Athletic.

Salford City XI – Letheren, Wiseman, Touray, Rooney © (Elliot 59’), Burgess, Baldwin, Pond, Andrade, Thomas-Asante, O’Connor, Jervis (Conway 59’).

Subs – Neal, Threlkeld, Hogan, Armstrong, Elliott, Conway.

Oldham Athletic XI – De La Paz, Mills, Hamer, Wheater ©, Iacovitti, N’Guessan (Nepomuceno 72’), Sylla, Maouche (Dearnley 60’), Azankpo (Missilou 68’), Smith, Rowe.

Subs – Allen, Nepomuceno, Wilson, Missilou, Egert, Dearnley, Borthwick-Jackson.

Referee – Josh Smith.

words Chris Stringer, D3D4 Oldham Athletic correspondent