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There were a number of changes from the weekend victory, with Pash deciding to rotate his squad. Danny McDonald returned to the starting line-up and schoolboy Tom Anderson partnered Steve Edwards at the heart of the defence. Dom Knowles and Joe Jackson also came in for James Taylor and Ross Wilson, who dropped to the bench.
The first half was devoid of any real action. It wouldn't be unfair to see that it was a poor showing from both sides. We had one half chance as a left wing cross just evaded Knowles at the far post. Likewise Oldham had one chance with a free header in a central position which was flashed over when the keeper really should have been worked.
The second half didn't improve much either. Any chances were few and far between and unfortunately the main talking points centred on unfortunate injuries and poor challenges. Firstly Tom Anderson was forced from the field after falling awkwardly. It was decided to let him return to the dressing room on crutches but it was taking him so long that Martin Dobson jogged off to fetch his car. It must be a mark of our Premier status that we have a Lexus ambulance for our youth games, eh?
Curtis Woods replaced the schoolboy but didn't last too long before he himself had his game brought to a halt. A very poor challenge, with studs up, left the lad in agony and he was replaced by Oliver Devenney, prompting a defensive reshuffle. The Oldham captain who committed the foul could consider himself lucky to be merely shown a yellow.
Steve Edwards and the Oldham number 10 were then both booked after the referee grew tired of their petulant running battle. Naturally Tony Philliskirk had his big blue glasses on and felt that it was all Edwards, but both lads had been nibbling for a while.
An Oldham centre half was booked for the use of an elbow, something the ref was clear to show with the use of sign language. I hope his assessor didn't see that or he may be getting asked why the card was not red.
As the match faded away Oldham had a good chance with a clear break but Edwards timed his tackle perfectly to thwart the big forward. We also had a chance with a right wing cross almost being dropped into the back of his own net by the Oldham keeper. However, it was not to be and ended at Gawthorpe with a 0-0 draw for the first time in a very long time.
Team:- Danny McDonald, Ed Williams, Jake McEneaney, Steve Edwards, Tom Anderson (Curtis Woods (Oliver Devenney)), Dom Knowles, Dave Lynch, Joe McKee, Michael King, Liam Newman, Joe Jackson (Ross Wilson).
Subs not used:- Christian Paulat-Brigg, James Taylor.