Three Points and Poignant Moments: Oldham 2-1 Cheltenham

​Catching Up on the Festive Period

I’ve missed a few game reviews! I’ve been to Walsall on the 29th December – OMG what a game! We arrived cold, wet, and in the dark, but it was more than made up for. The songs never stopped, and Joe Garner’s goal was brilliant. Even a clash of heads and a bandage didn’t stop him!

New Year’s Day against Chesterfield saw Drummond get his year off to a great start with a goal! A 1-1 draw, but we’ll take that.

But here’s yesterday’s report on the game against Cheltenham Town.

Remembering Dale Harris

Before I get into the match report, I want to reflect on the sad news about the passing of Dale Harris. A face and name I knew from his involvement in the club, but didn’t know him personally.

It was lovely to see the club personnel line the pitch to pay their respects, and an amazing 1-minute applause 👏🏻 from the crowd. Condolences go to his wife, three children, and all who knew him.

First Half Battle

Scrappy start to the game, and I have no idea what the refs had against Joe Garner, but he gets very little when the tackles are flying in against him! He came close with a couple of headers though – we looked up for it.

The new branding on the away end looked fresh – welcome to Viking RAJA Group! Unsure how long it will look so white or stay on, but we’ll see.

Then Daniels brought down their player and they were awarded a penalty. It wasn’t Daniels’ game yesterday. Hudson went the right way and was so close, but no – it’s a goal. We were on the back foot now.

Manny was unbelievable at the back, but when off the ball he kept bending over as if he had tummy cramps or something. Felt like we were holding on for half time.

Then we got a corner. Woods swung in the perfect ball and, after his couple of headers before, Joe Garner was up and smashed his header from the far post! 1-1, and in for half time. What a response!

Hudson’s Heroics

We started the second half well and pressured them nicely, but then they started to come back at us. That’s when our brick wall Hudson pulled out 4-5 outstanding saves, keeping us in it for sure.

Man of the Match for me – but then again, being the mum of a goalkeeper, I’m always biased! Speaking of him, not sure I agree with his antics, but he brought a cheer from the fans with his gameplay, shall we say 🫣

The Winner

Fondop came on early in the second half for Hannett and caused them some problems with his strength and power. Between Drummond, Fondop, and Garner, we looked like we were going to get a second.

And it came! A ball floated in from Fondop for Joe Garner to head across, and Payne found the back of the net!

Seeing It Out

Sixty minutes down and we were 2-1 up, with the feeling we were going to go on and get a few more. But I’m guessing the boss was happy with that, as he subbed Joe Garner and Drummond off with about 15 minutes to go. We finished off the game to get the three points.

Loved that Drummond takes the ribbing from the fans and joins in! When he walked off past the Jimmy Frizzell Stand, they showed their love for his efforts today.

After the game, he joined in the celebrations with Fondop – like the master passing on the baton. Lovely to see.

Frank’s OBE

Can’t talk about the game yesterday without reflecting on Frank getting his OBE this week from Prince William. What a man – Oldham through and through. And he joined us in our stand yesterday for the second half.

Well done Frank, truly deserved! And my only two questions: when will you become Sir Frank, and how do I get my ticket to the garden party?!

Looking Forward

Three points, solid performances all around. Payne, Garner, Manny, Drummond, and Hudson all on top form – this is the kind of consistency we need.

Unbeaten this year – let’s keep that going!

Come on you Blues! 💙

🔵⚪️ #OAFC

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