Scapegoat

1) Watched it in slo-motion on Sky+ a number of times. After 'keeper fumbles it might, just might, clip Halls back as its drops down and in to the net. Impossible to be certain from the angle, but a forward will defenitely claim it did. If it boosts his confidence then all the better. 2) Spot on. Will be 3 games, it may cost us badly. Cannot remember any agro between the players prior to that, and the Rovers player didn't do anything in that incident to warrant the retaliation.

Sat in the Chaddy I didn't seen the incident - only the inocuous foul that preceded it. However it does seem to have polarised opinion between Latics fans. I fear that given the normal biaised nature of fans, the fact that some Oldham fans think it was deserved probably means it was - and those that don't, didn't see what they did. Also didn't see much protest from Latics players about the decision - even Wellens.

Not quite sure I'd agree with everything he says, but I would not have felt too unfairly treated if we had drawn 0-0 today. For a home team, playing against a team 6 or 7 places below us, we didn't (for my money) do enough to feel we fully deserved the three points. Porters chance in the first half, Halls woodwork shot and a shout for a pen is all I can recall as genuine threats. Tranmere came and did a job - and it very nearly worked. If roles were reversed I'd feel Latics had done enough for a hard-earned point away against a top team. However - we nicked it, and I am very very grateful.

Missed the cobblers game, but that makes 3 average (or worse) league performances for me. Scunthorpe (very limited chances considering the possession), Bristol (awful in possession and limited chances) and today (again limited chances given quality of oppo and possession). But we have got 4 points from them and we have gone top! Hopefully we can get the performances back soon and continue the form, but the loss of Wellens will be a big blow. Blackpool and Swansea are tough games, particularly without our most creative midefielder. THink I would be happy with 3 points from those 2 games.

soured by red card

Don't think Hall touched it, so if their player doesn't want it (and the officials don't give it to him anyway) surely it will be Porters for the initial shot?

Personally I don't like to boo former players/managers etc until the result is in the bag - nothing like taunting them into a better performance. I can see Ronnie using it in his pre-match speach to gee up Rovers - and his team could well dig deep if their manager is getting slaughtered... Ignore him until hopefully we can chant "Ronnie what's the score?" in confidence?

Spot on. Our defence generally works well - and changing it doesn't make sense. Roy Castle (as we refer to him) is dependable and has generally done OK when he has been asked to. He is not first choice, but he does well enough (what is our points haul when he plays? Don't know, but I bet its decent enough). Unfortunately the boo-boys have targetted him and they will boo him irrespective of his performances. I hope he doesn't listen to them.

Jeez....now I know why I feel like I am enjoying myself watching Latics for the first time in ages....we have had almost a decade of crap football. Joe is the obvious choice. For a team like Oldham to have played and competed in the Premiership (not do a Swindon/Watford/Sunderland etc) , been to a cup final and 2 classic FA semis - its unbeliveable. For the rest - some slight honourable mentions to Ritchie who tried to make a silk purse out of a very very moth-eaten sows ear. He mostly failed, but at least he tried. Dowie - who didn't give us the free-flowing football that we have this season, and compared to the resources the sucess was average - but it was the only season of non-boredem for a long long time (apart from the 'adreneline is brown' variety).

The first victory of the season after the Moore-debacle? I thought that was against Rushden and Diamons.

Beardy - how have I managed to post my entry using your name? Very odd.

No change. Considered it, but couldn't think of anything else.

Why thanks to me Singe? Cannot believe we have started this again! Also - what do they win?

Maybe true - though to be honest we've see players shine in far worse teams - but its his almost total lack of effort (except Sat) that annoys me. He is generally nowhere near the ball when it is kicked up to the forwards and when it does come to him, he then normally fails to put a challenge in that would trouble my Mum. Tbh Beckett did score goals, and when fit Killen did as well (and looked more likely to than Hall). Seeing him on Saturday - I'd give him another few bursts off the bench if possible, but if a decent loan opportunity comes up, let him go as long as we get other cover in

Hard to see why they would sell him us/anyone else in League One. NOt likely to be sily money offered from anyone, and in form and playing regularly it seems. Only thing would be a swap deal like last time to prize Wellens away. Chris Hall perhaps? "Oh yeah, he's top class - caused Wolves no end of trouble. Here let me show you his goal" - Shez putting spin that Alistar Campbell would blush at. Would be a good signing though.