The Lift We Needed: Oldham 2-0 Bristol Rovers

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Cold Tuesday Night Magic at the Ice Station Zebra

Tuesday night in the Ice Station Zebra for the Oldham game against Bristol Rovers. Is this the night that Quigley will show us what he’s capable of?

We start the game with the team that actually finished the game on Saturday, which had a bit of fight to them – though going off the first half, it wasn’t hard.

35 Seconds!

Well, 35 seconds in and a long ball from Hudson up to Fondop, who brings it down for Drummond just outside the box. And he smashes it into the back of the net! 1-0 and it’s not even a minute in!

Wow. So he might miss from 3 yards out, but give him space outside the box and he’s found the back of the net. So, so pleased for him. He works so hard for it and has taken a lot of stick from us fans – all in the nature it’s intended. But it lifted the fans in the ground. Well, not the 380 travelling fans!

Is this going to be the fastest goal in League 2 this season?

🎶 Drummond on fire, your defence is terrified! 🎶 rings out around the ground.

First Half Control (Sort Of)

Not sure if it was an improved performance from us or we were lucky that they couldn’t have the composure in front of goal. Felt a little too much like the ball was in our half. Hudson was on his toes and sweeping up the balls at the back.

Quigley through – was this his moment to show what he can do? Nope, missing his chance. And here come the chants from the Oldham fans. Harsh place to come when you’ve moved teams.

The ref was still thinking it’s Valentine’s Day, giving out 5-6 cards just in the first half. Will this match finish 11 vs 11? Who knows?

First half finishes 1-0, and for once we go in winning.

Second Half – Same Formation

Second half starts with no changes. Is this the team and formation for us? 4-2-3-1?

Fondop Seals It

Just before 60 minutes and they handball it in the box – penalty awarded!

A little bit of discussion between Fondop and Stevens as to who will take it, but Fondop steps up. Hits it to the left of the goalkeeper, who gets a strong hand to it, but Fondop follows his shot in and finds the back of the net! 2-0!

Time for a change – Kavanagh is off and Woods returns to midfield. Next is Stevens off for Hannatt, shoring up the 3 points we hope.

The Ovation

Both Drummond and Fondop are subbed for Hammond and Joe Garner – great to see them both back. But what appreciation both Drummond and Fondop got, and so well deserved!

Loved seeing Drummond so happy with us singing for him. And the lift Fondop got when we switched to his song too. Beautiful moments.

Cold Tuesday Night Specialists

Well, a cold Tuesday night must be the time for us – especially Drummond! (He did score on that cold, wet Tuesday night we got thrashed in the cup?!)

The Relief

Home happy with 3 points, and the winning streak can start again.

It was the lift we needed. Yes, Bristol Rovers are struggling, but it’s normally these teams that trip us up.

Drummond’s early goal set the tone, Fondop’s penalty sealed it, and the fans showed both of them the love they deserve. On nights like this, Boundary Park feels special.

Come on you Blues! Let’s build on this.

💙🔵⚪️ #OAFC

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