Promotion pushing Salford leave Boundary Park empty handed

On a day where ex Oldham boss Richie Wellens returned to Boundary Park aiming to bolster Salford’s promotion charge, his side came unstuck in a match that could’ve been put to bed by half-time.

Salford, who started the day in the Play Offs, ended up dropping down to eighth in the Sky Bet League Two table as they suffered a shock loss away to local rivals Oldham Athletic.

The Ammies started the game well and did infact take the lead in the ninth minute through 36-year-old veteran striker Ian Henderson, it came as he beat the offside trap before slotting it past Lawlor in the Oldham goal.

Salford continued to dominate the first half and had numerous chances to add to their lead, Richie Towell hit a thunderous strike which crashed against the underside of the bar and somehow stayed out.

Just a few moments later it was the fullbacks chance to get in on the action. After some good play down the right hand side it was Tom James who found himself in a glorious position inside the defender, with just Lawlor to beat his effort struck the base of the post and rebounded into the arms of the Oldham goalkeeper.

Salford kept creating as attacker Robbie Gotts on loan from Premier League side Leeds looked lively throughout, causing a real threat to the Latics defence.

The Ammies had one final chance before the half as Ian Henderson looked to grab his second, baring down 1v1 with the Lawlor he failed to beat the oldham goalkeeper for a second time as his shot was parried away to safety.

Despite dominating the first half Salford went into the break just one goal ahead, which would eventually prove very costly.

Harry Kewell’s Oldham side came out after the break looking like a different team, playing with hunger and desire, looking to make Salford rue them wasted first half chances.

They grew into the game at their own pace and were now taking the game to Salford, shortly after the interval Nicky Adams had a chance to equalise however Hladky made a great double save to deny him. Oldham continued to dominate and as the game developed you got the sense the equaliser was coming.

In the 75th minute it finally arrived, and was fully deserved. It came after Hilsner hit a rocket of a free kick from 40 yards out which seemed to catch Hladky off guard, the best he could do was parry to Bahamboula who was 10 yards out and after shifting the ball onto his favoured right foot, he drove a shot low into the corner giving the keeper no chance.

At this point the game had been blown wide open, with both teams now sensing victory. The equaliser seemed to wake Salford up as they looked to nick a winner as the game entered the dying embers. They came extremely close to doing so as full back James hit the post for a second time in the match.

Another missed chance did however prove costly, as minutes later Oldham won it, with a goal worthy to win any football match.

Photo credit: @OfficialOAFC

The ball broke perfectly for substitute Keillor-Dunn, 25 yards out he took the shot in his stride on the half volley curling it round the defender as it sailed into the Salford net, also leaving Hladky rooted to the spot. A real touch of quality from the midfielder, producing a 92nd minute winner that gave Oldham back-to-back home victories for the first time in over a year.

On a day where Salford squandered many first half chances, they left Boundary Park empty handed. It was real wake up call that if they are to pursue their goal of promotion this season, they must be more clinical in front of goal.

Oldham displayed yesterday that it won’t be easy, as defeat meant they slipped out of the Play Offs. There is still plenty of football left to turn things around, but The Ammies must learn from this loss as they head into the latter part of the season.

Next up for Salford is the visit of Colchester on Tuesday night, where they will look to bounce back and return to winning ways. The Oysters visit the Peninsula Stadium on the back of some pretty poor form, as they have failed to register a win in their previous nine games.

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