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Preston were again without top scorer Langmead through injury, but still managed to go nap. As usual, they conceded an early goal before dominating the next hour. Brown, Kewley, Carvill and Onibuje put them 4-1 up, before the Shakers rallied to 4-3. A tense last quarter hour ensued before Onibuje scored his second to put the game beyond Bury’s reach.
Tranmere had what was for them a bad day at the office. Having thrashed North West Counties Division One side Woodley Sports in midweek 7-1 in the Cheshire Senior Cup (with yet another Robinson hat trick – four in the last five games), they would have been expecting to maintain their five goal a game average at the expense of an inconsistent Oldham side. However, the Latics produced one of their best performances of the season in holding this exceptionally strong side. Indeed, they led 2-0 and 3-2 before two goals from Karl Dunbar and a late equaliser from Alan Griffiths denied them all three points.
This result put an end to Tranmere’s incredible run of 14 straight wins. Coach John McMahon though was philosophical afterwards: "Although I’m disappointed to have dropped our first points of the season, I’m very pleased with the attitude, discipline and desire not to be beaten." Wise words indeed. (Incidentally, Paul Robinson was absent for this game – let’s hope he misses next Saturday’s game at Gawthorpe too!)
Carlisle moved up into third place with one of their regular goal bonanza games, this time a 4-3 win at Rochdale. A frantic first half saw the teams tied at 3-3, but a headed goal from substitute Peter Ferris gave United the points.
This was possibly Carlisle coach Billy Barr’s last game in charge, as United this week announced a complete re-vamp of their youth system. Ex Southampton, Charlton and Nottingham Forest player Paul Kee has been confirmed today as the new Head of Youth at the Cumbrian club. He joins them from Irish Premier League club Institute who, under his leadership, have enjoyed their most successful period. He is to spearhead a complete restructuring of the youth system to ensure "that the hottest talents in the region stay at Carlisle and are not tempted to other clubs which over the last several years has been the case." Matt Jansen and Scott Dobie spring to mind as players who would presumably fit into this category.
Stockport continued their recent good run with an impressive 2-1 win at Wigan. Regular scorers Baguley and Bailey were at it again, creating more frustration no doubt for Wigan coach David Lee, particularly as they missed a last-minute penalty. On their day, the Latics are probably the only team that can match the top two, yet their inconsistency has now seen them slump to fifth.
Blackpool’s 3-0 victory over our youthful youths was their first of the season, and has finally lifted the Seasiders off the bottom.
This Saturday’s fixtures:
Burnley v Tranmere (11am)
Carlisle v Stockport
Oldham v Blackpool
Rochdale v Bury
Wigan v Preston
Leading reported league scorers:
11 Paul Robinson (Tranmere)
9 Kelvin Langmead (Preston)
5 Lee Hamilton (Carlisle)
5 Michael Kewley (Preston)
4 Matthew Blinkhorn (Blackpool)
4 Mattie Davies (Stockport)
4 Jamie Baguley (Stockport)
4 Chris Dagnall (Tranmere)
4 Fola Onibuje (Preston)