ooroger

I’ve been an Oldham fan for almost 30 years and come to Boundary Park 1-2 times each season (I live overseas) while vising family. This time, I was time I was…um…fortunate enough to watch back-to-back matches against Port Vale and Cheltenham. Here’s my summary for your discussion: In both games, Frankie Bunn’s tactics were better suited to away games – he employed two forwards (O’Grady and Baxter) neither of whom are goalscorers. In the second half against Cheltenham, the additions of Miller, Benteke, and pushing Lang even further forward sparked life into the team. No-one around me is a fan of Benteke. A rash of injuries (especially to Surridge) is concerning and surprising Gardner was my man of the match for Saturday; he’s the one midfielder who has the vision (and leg strength) to pass the ball across the field. He also was our most effective attacking option with several shots from outside the box. On Tuesday, he dropped too deep, picking up the ball from Edmundson and Clarke, but he does not lack for effort I would find it difficult to create a starting place for Baxter – he’s not fast enough to be an out-and-out striker and doesn’t have the strength or size to play as a holding or attacking midfielder. Yes, he could unlock a defence with a smart pass (and we certainly could use some guile) but that doesn’t outweigh his deficiencies, even at this level. Our defence will keep us up. Other than Clarke’s penalty aberration on Saturday and Edmundson getting beat in the air on Tuesday, they were very solid. Both Hamer and Hunt weathered some bruising challenges and came forward well to support our attacks Port Vale and Cheltenham were terrible. Despite going 1-0 behind, Cheltenham barely moved beyond half-way and our keeper didn’t have a shot to save. If this is the standard of League 2, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be in the playoffs with a few more goals at home I want the Chaddy End back

The right call but odd timing, letting Wellens hang around for a month and begin planning for next season.

He does, but look at this team. Too many one-trick ponies, a terrible midfield, and just not enough heart. It must be horrible as manager to watch this crap.

What do you reckon - 20% possession in the second half?

Northampton are passing it around like Real Madrid. We are chasing them and just kicking it up in the air

We cant get hold of the ball.

Pringle just hops/runs around the ball. Hard to ascertain whether he's a real footballer or a guest of the manager's, just out for a run-around.

Gooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllll!

They've started much stronger in the second half. We look tired.

What the hell is Ibrahimovic doing next to Johnny, every time he kicks it downfield?

Come on Charlton. Surely a play-off team has to score one goal against a team in the bottom four?

But look at how many chances we've missed. Doyle alone is 0-15 in recent weeks, taking good opportunities.

That said, you can see why we're in the position we are, judging by how few consecutive passes we put together. The team operates a little like Nazon - just put your head down and hope that you end up in front of goal with the ball still at your feet.

There's still 45 minutes to go. We have been the better team and look threatening on the left wing. Their keeper looks a bit suspect as well. I could see them committing a defensive error and us snatching a goal.

First touch there for Pringle. 44 minutes gone.