Stainrod

That first FA cup semi was a magnificent match, I have tried countless times to find highlights on Youtube but can't find it, anyone else tried?

Really disappointing this was; I sat with a Tranmere fan friend of mine in their main stand (the Latics fans sounded great by the way second half). they seemed to want it more, the match started as they so often do with the home team taking the intialtive but just as you expect your side to have weathered things a bit and get into the game by playing a bit of posessiosion we didn't do it. They must practice all week keeping the ball but fail to do it in a match situation ~ there's nothing better to subdue the opposition and the home fans. It pains me to say it as I like the flair players but Morias' passing and input was woeful yesterday, so many times a bit of keep football resulted in Felipe sacrificing possession and that just isn't good enough.

Pluses? Mellor looks a terrific prospect (disappointed to see Taylor having a real go at him in the second half for messing up); Clarke is very solid at this level; Wes very consistent; Cisak very reliable too;

Minuses? Kuqi, big fan but don't give him the captains armband again, constant moaning at the ref which earled him a well deserved booking; Morais as above; Mvoto I like but looked off the pace yesterday and didn't dominate at the back in the way his size suggests he should (and the way he did do last season).

That said I think we ought to have an ok season, with Diamond back (for Mvoto) and Furman back in we ought to look more secure at the back and more potent going forward.

oh yeah, impressive LaticsPete

Who was our number 6 that day? anyone know?

Willie Thorne refereeing too!

Saw Robbie Simpson at Walsall and he looks a really good acquistion. He adds a bit of height (did he get the flick on for Kuqi's goal at Orient?) and gets his foot in, great sprint back and sliding tackle right in front of us at Walsall. I like him, early days yet of course, he's willing to get hold of the ball and has the confidence to take his time (as he did for the goal at the Bescot). We looked very competent at Walsall if lacking a bit of flair and that seems to have carried on yesterday.

I agree, not there today so listening on Latics Player, I always think its a ridiculous volome in the Chaddy, then when the match starts it all sounds a bit quiet and flat.

Sounds a bit poor the match so far today.

I'm going to the Bescot, I live in Stafford now just north of Walsall and it's the only 'local' away game. Nice club Walsall, a bit like us in that they are overshadowed by the nearby big boys and in reality never likely to compete at the top level (again like us sadly). Really good social facilities and I believe around 50% of their income comes from non gate receipts (social functions, sporting dinners and more), a good template and one which we can follow when our new stand and facilities eventually come to fruition.

Looking forward to it.

Best autobiography by a country mile is Alex Ferguson's (appreciate that might ruffle a few feathers and I am a Latics fan) but it's superbly written and about someone who's old enough to have had a life. Give it a try.

George McVitie, fantastic ~ remember him on one wing and Alan Groves on the other? good football and at Div 3 level too, wonder how that team would go on against todays third div team (sorry thats a whole new topic).

The reason Taylor often cuts in from the left is as this can create panic in defences. Unfortunately when he does it he is often ineffective and whilst he will maybe smash one in from 25 yards this season that doesn't make all the other missed opportunities worthwhile.

I too would like to see him back on the right going to the line and whipping crosses in with his better foot (another reason why he doesn't often reach the touch line on the left is as he is then crossing with his left, his weaker foot, everyone has a weaker foot so no problem with that). Can't see why successive managers keep a right footed payer on the left side though!

Certainly one of our best and loves playing for Oldham, could be better used though IMO.

looks like another short player, is it me or do we always look small against the opposition partic in midfield and up front (apart from Smith). Must have had a good season last though so welcome to Boundary Park.

I agree I thought him and Diamond made really promising debuts. Great signings.

I thought Diamond was superb today and well beyong league 1 standard (did someone earlier think he was slow??). Once the understanding develops I have confidence in him and Mvoto, also like the way he was shouting/motivating/organising. Thought Black was a bit weak so we need a left back, also think if we can't find the right midfeidder then worth giving Keiron Lee a go again in the middle (as may be easier to find a right back instead). Lun disappointed but first game out, Smith looks just ok but will be comortably handled by the better centre backs in league 1

Cisak first half I thoought looked really good, couldn't see whether he was at fault in the second half but doubt it.

Problem is more midfield as everyone says where Winchester and Millar aren't yet ready perhaps. Would also agree with much said about Reid, if you are not big you need to be fast and he is neither.

For those who remember the 70's there were two matches where we drew 'big' teams in the FA cup, one versus Southamnpton when Mike Channon destroyed us and one against West Ham when Trevor Brooking dictated the game, fantastic to witness once you got over the defeat.

Of forgot an Andy Lochead hat trick fr Aston Villa when they beat us in a wet Boundary Park 3rd round FA cup match 6-0

For those who remember the 70's there were two matches where we drew 'big' teams in the FA cup, one versus Southamnpton when Mike Channon destroyed us and one against West Ham when Trevor Brooking dictated the game, fantastic to witness once you got over the defeat.