Second half fightback gives Latics the edge

Cheltenham Town will be hoping history repeats itself if they are to progress in this year’s FA Cup, following a pulsating draw at home to Oldham yesterday. Six years ago, in the same competition, the Robins were victorious at Boundary Park against the Latics and they now need the same outcome if they are to reach the second round this season.

The Robins started brightly yesterday and were rewarded with the game’s opening goal after just five minutes. Scott Murray, who had had an earlier header saved, dispatched Darren Kenton’s cut back to make the pressure count. Oldham slowly began to impose themselves on the game though and Lewis Alessandra’s effort on the quarter hour forced Shane Higgs into a sharp parry. The Robins began to defend quite deep and, five minutes later, it needed a last ditch tackle from Drissa Diallo to foil Deane Smalley.

The Robins next attack saw good work from Ian Westlake go to waste as he over hit his cross. This was soon followed by a close effort from the impressive Josh Payne, who struck over the bar following good work from Alan Wright. Whilst at the other end Oldham nearly levelled as Alessandra outpaced Diallo before rounding Higgs, the attempted cut back was poor though and the danger was cleared.

The rest of the half was Cheltenham’s and further chances were squandered by Murray and Payne before they doubled their advantage in the forty fourth minute. Sean Gregan hauling down Lloyd Owusu for a clear penalty. The former Yeovil man dispatched the spot kick well to put the Robins in control on the stroke of half time.

The start of the second half saw the momentum switch and Oldham were rewarded almost immediately. Lewis Montrose was penalised for a push and Taylor reduced the arrears, following up after Higgs had saved his original penalty. The Latics continued to press and further half chances were squandered by Smalley and Danny Whitaker.

After twenty minutes of the second half, Martin Allen changed his tactics and replaced the hard working Paul Connor with young loanee Jonathan Hayes. Leaving Owusu as the lone frontman. The Robins defence was beginning to retreat deeper and deeper with only one forward outlet and an equaliser looked almost inevitable. The Latics second goal came with quarter of an hour to play as Danny Whitaker’s deflected effort wrong footed Higgs to level things up.

Allen reacted by reverting back to 4-4-2 with Montrose sacrificed for the more forward thinking Damian Spencer. As a result, the Robins had the best of the remaining ten minutes. Penalty shouts for challenges on Murray and Hayes were turned away before Lee Ridley replaced the tiring Payne. The ex-Scunthorpe man’s long throws caused havoc in the Oldham box and Owusu struck a post before firing straight at Crossley following a Spencer knock down to leave this topsy turvy cup tie all square.

Player Ratings

Shane Higgs 6
Looked slightly unsure behind Cheltenham’s new look backline, but still made some important stops. Still needs to improve his distribution.

Andy Gallinagh 5
Struggled against the lively Chris Taylor and was too often drawn out of position.

Drissa Diallo 7
Made some timely interceptions and showed why Martin Allen has handed him a permanent deal.

Darren Kenton 6
Looked shaky at times, but did well overall. One tackle in particular prevented a dangerous Oldham counter attack.

Alan Wright 7
Got forward well in the first half and distributed well. Was forced to defend much more in the second period and did so admirably.

Josh Payne 7
Showed technical ability not seen at Whaddon Road since Cheltenham’s last West Ham loanee Grant McCann. Gets forward well and puts in some committed tackles.

Lewis Montrose 6
A solid display, even if he did look slow at times. At fault for the penalty and will struggle to feature once Dave Bird and John Finnigan return.

Ian Westlake 5
A disappointing home debut for the Leeds man. Over hit two crosses in the first period and looked unfit.

Scott Murray 6
Linked up well with Alan Wright in the first half and scored a good goal. Faded in the second half as Oldham pressed.

Paul Connor 6
Worked hard and showed some good touches in the first period. Struggled after half time and was substituted.

Lloyd Owusu 7
Linked up well at times with Connor and had chances at the end to win the game. Took his penalty well.

Jonathan Hayes 5
Seemed willing to run, but had little end product.

Damian Spencer 6
A bustling cameo from the crowd favourite. Nearly set up a winning goal.
Not on for long, but caused Oldham trouble with his long throws.