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BOUNDARY BULLET-zine
 
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Today's Edition for
 
    12th April 2000    
 
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Today's Headlines
 Oldham Evening Chronicle 
Two-year-deal puts icing on the cake for Jones

PAUL JONES was enjoying a double celebration today after signing a new two-year contract with Athletic. The 21-year-old defender scored his first league goal last night to secure a superb victory over promotion-chasing Wigan. And his heroics came only hours after agreeing the deal which confirms his rapid progress since turning full-time. Jones was playing in the Unibond League when he was spotted by Athletic's head coach, Bill Urmson. He was only given a contract to the end of this season, but has since become a fixture in the heart of defence. Despite concerns over their wage bill, Athletic moved to tie Jones to a longer-term deal which will keep him at the club until June, 2002. Manager Andy Ritchie said: "Paul has exceeded expectations, maybe including his own. 

"He is aggressive, he puts his foot in and his willingness to tackle is second to none." Ritchie was delighted with last night's result, which meant Athletic took maximum points from their two encounters with Wigan. "We played with pride and we defended from the front," he said. "We had to go out and remember how well we played at Wigan earlier in the season. We did just that — and we deserved to win." One concern for Athletic was an injury to John Sheridan, who took a heavy knock to the ankle in the first half. The midfield man didn't want to go off, despite playing in pain, and was due to have an X-ray this morning. 

Shaun Garnett missed the match with a knee problem and Athletic are awaiting the results of a scan. Striker Ryan Sugden was also ruled out after feeling unwell in the afternoon. Athletic now have a weekend off due to Stoke City's involvement in the Auto Windscreens Shield final. They next play Chesterfield at Boundary Park next Tuesday, and Ritchie added: "It's a good chance to rest and get rid of some of our aches and pains." 

Athletic inflict second defeat on promotion hopefuls

WHAT is it about Wigan that inspires Athletic to dredge up every last ounce of gut-busting effort? If Andy Ritchie could discover the secret, his team would surely have something to play for at the end of a long, hard season. If he could bottle it, he’d become a millionaire overnight. But, in the meantime, the Boundary Park boss can pat his players on the back and congratulate them on a truly remarkable double. Athletic were the first side to beat Wigan this season when a late header from a set-piece brought them glory at the JJB Stadium. Last night, they provided the same drama, the same outcome and, after 19 games, halted the only unbeaten away record in the country. This time, they did it the hard way by falling behind to a disputed penalty before Matthew Tipton and Paul Jones pulled off another stirring victory over Athletic’s big-spending neighbours. It was Tipton’s first goal of the season and a huge tonic for the transfer-listed teenager after he was called into an injury-hit team. And what a night for Jones, who began the season playing part-time football for Leigh RMI and feared that the chance of a professional career may have gone for good.

His first-ever league goal, coming only three minutes from the end, could hardly have been better timed. After suffering a terrible day at Bournemouth on Saturday, when he and Gary Kelly had an on-field bust-up, the 21-year-old defender now has a moment he can treasure for the rest of his life. He was also the star of a good, old-fashioned derby, in which space was at a premium during a hard-fought, no-nonsense battle. The result does nothing for second-placed Wigan’s hopes of automatic promotion. Nor will it aid the health of manager John Benson, who was unable to climb out of his sickbed to rally the troops. The gulf between Athletic’s displays on Saturday and last night was, as much of anything, one of attitude. In the 3-0 drubbing at Dean Court, they were drowsy from the start and had their half-time drinks spiked with Night Nurse. Here, they played with passion and commitment, lifted by both the bigger stage and the desire to prove a point. The midfield snapped into tackles, the defence was far more alert — both collectively and individually — and they were sharper in attack. Wigan could never settle, leaving Neil Redfearn to patrol the middle without the possession he needed to inflict damage.

Athletic just edged it in that crucial battleground, with Lee Duxbury leading by example. Once they stopped asking the forwards to win things in the air, they also allowed Tipton to show glimpses of his undoubted flair. It was the 19-year-old’s best performance for several months. And, in one spell before half-time, he posed some awkward questions to a defence with a superb recent record. Such were the injury problems facing Athletic that they had only two fit strikers in Tipton and the hard-working Steve Whitehall. Wigan were themselves without four forwards and the £1million-plus strikeforce they were still able to field — namely Simon  Haworth and Neil Roberts — didn’t remotely live up to its price tag. The home side were fired up from the start and could have gone in front after three minutes when Tipton headed a good chance over the bar. Openings then became few and far between, with the main talking points coming after 27 minutes when Scott Green limped off for Wigan and Athletic’s John Sheridan appeared to suffer a serious ankle injury in a separate tackle. The veteran was able to play on after lengthy treatment, and his team almost celebrated with a goal when Tipton’s effort was deflected wide after Mark Innes robbed Wigan ’keeper Roy Carroll.

Instead, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 40th minute as a raking crossfield ball gave Haworth the chance to run through on Kelly. His first touch let him down, but referee Roger Furnandiz awarded a penalty when the striker and goalkeeper went in for what seemed a 50-50 challenge. To the surprise of nobody, Redfearn scored with ease from the spot. Athletic, however, responded with character to claim a crucial equaliser within two minutes. Tipton, Whitehall and Innes were all involved deep inside the Wigan box and, when the ball broke free after two blocked shots, Tipton had the easiest of jobs to tap into an empty net from four yards. Moments later, Jones showed his aerial prowess when he headed against a post from a Whitehall corner. Having expected to go into the break in front, Wigan were mightily relieved when the half-time whistle brought some respite from their buzzing hosts. Wigan could have regained the lead in the 55th minute when Michael Clegg fired wide after Kelly missed a high cross. The on-loan Manchester United defender did manage to stretch the goalkeeper after an hour, while Carl Bradshaw also had a chance which forced Kelly into action.

As the quality of football dipped in the final quarter, the only way either side looked likely to score was from a set-piece — and that moment arrived after 87 minutes. There was initial disappointment for Athletic, who claimed they should have had a penalty when Whitehall went down close to goal. A corner was given instead. And, when Whitehall swung it over from the right, Jones rose in a crowd of players to thump home an unstoppable header from eight yards. It could have been three in injury time when Tipton’s goalbound drive was deflected wide. But Athletic were more than happy to take what they had, proving again that, when they are in the mood, they are a match for anyone in the division.

 Sports.comThe Country's last unbeaten away record finally fell as Wigan were beaten in dramatic fashion at Boundary Park. After 19 without defeat, the visitors - whose manager John Benson was in his sick bed looked sure to stay on course for automatic promotion. But Paul Jones, who began the season playing in the Unibond league, grabbed a shock winner for Oldham. It completed an amazing double for Andy Ritchie's side as they also ended their Lancashire neighbours unbeaten home run back in January. Oldham could have gone ahead within three minutes when Matthew Tipton put a decent chance over the bar, and Wigan were forced into a substitution when Scott Green injured a hamstring in the 27th minute. Once the midfield battle had settled down, the home side almost snatched the lead when Tipton's eight yard shot towards an open goal was deflected wide by quick-thinking Wigan skipper Stuart Balmer.

Instead, after 40 minutes, the high-flying visitors went in front following a raking cross field ball from Michael Clegg which caught the Oldham defence flat footed and gave Simon Haworth the chance to advance on goalkeeper Gary Kelly. Referee Roger Furnandiz awarded a penalty as the striker and keeper challenged for a 50-50 ball. Neil Redfearn, one of Oldham's most popular former players, scored with ease from the spot. But Oldham were level two minutes later when Tipton and strike partner Steve Whitehall linked up deep inside the visitor's penalty area.

Two shots were blocked by last-gasp tackles and, when the ball broke free with Roy Carroll stranded, Tipton tapped into an empty net from three yards. Before half time Tipton came close to a second when he headed Whitehall's corner against a post. Wigan, however, could have regained the lead in the 55th minute when Clegg fired wide when he should have hit the target. Clegg did better when he tested Kelly from a tight angle and fellow wingback Carl Bradshaw also called the keeper into action. The only way either side looked likely to score in the final quarter was from a set piece - and it happened with three minutes to go. There was initial disappointment for Oldham, who thought Whitehall should have had a penalty from a tackle with Arjan De Zeeuw. A corner was given instead. And, when Whitehall swung it over from the right, Jones rose in a crowd of players to thump home an unstoppable header from eight yards. 
Oldham 2, Wigan 1

Last three meetings
Wigan 0, Oldham 1 (7/1/2000)
Wigan 2, Oldham 0 (5/4/1999)
Oldham 2, Wigan 3 (9/10/1998)

Final


Final Results
Oldham 2 Wigan 1
Name, Minutes
Tipton, 42 
Jones, 87 		 Name, Minutes
Redfearn, 40 pen

Yellow Cards
Name, Minutes
Sheridan, 13
foul		   Name, Minutes
De Zeeuw, 15
foul

Red Cards
Name, Minutes
No Red Cards		   Name, Minutes
No Red Cards

Match Stats
12 Goal Attempts 8
4 (On Target) 5
1 (Bar/Post) 0
8 Fouls 11
4 Offsides 3
8 Corners 2

Match Squads & Ratings
3 stars (out of 5)
Oldham Wigan
G 1. Kelly - 7
D 2. McNiven, S - 7
M 3. Hotte - 7
D 4. Jones - 8
M 5. Rickers - 7
D 6. Holt - 7
D 7. Duxbury - 8
M 8. Sheridan - 7
D 9. Innes - 7
F 10. Tipton - 7
F 11. Whitehall - 7		 G 1. Carroll - 6
D 2. Bradshaw - 6
D 3. Balmer - 8
D 4. De Zeeuw - 7
D 5. Griffiths - 6
D 6. Clegg - 7
M 7. Sheridan - 6
M 8. Green - 6
M 9. Redfearn - 6
F 10. Haworth - 5
F 11. Roberts, N - 5
Substitutes Substitutes
M 8. Salt (90)
12. Miskelly
13. Boshell
14. Thom
15. Futcher		 M 8. Nicholls (28) - 6
12. Stillie
13. McGibbon
14. Martinez
15. Morris
*Players ranked from 4 (lowest) to 10 (highest)
Referee: R. D. Furnandiz
Color codes indicate player substitutions, red for red, green for green, etc. 
 

 Teamtalk Oldham 
Jones seals last gasp win

 An 87th minute header from Paul Jones added to Matthew Tipton's goal as Oldham came from behind to defeat Wigan 2-1 at Boundary Park. In a scrappy affair on a poor playing surface, Oldham completed the league double over their promotion-chasing opponents by becoming the first side to defeat them in an away game this season. Wigan will, no doubt, be sick of the sight of Oldham, because they were also the first side to win a game at the JJB Stadium in January. Wigan had most of the pressure throughout the game, but Oldham put in a determined display and came roaring back from a goal down to grab an instant equaliser, before withstanding early second half attacks to grab a late winner and put a minor dent in Wigan's automatic promotion hopes. Wigan had plenty of possession over the course of the first half, but had only a few speculative early pot shots from Michael Clegg - on loan from Manchester United - was all they had to show for their endeavour. Meanwhile, Oldham - without injured defender Shaun Garnett - displayed a more gritty and dogged front and they went closest to breaking the deadlock mid-way through the half when Lee Duxbury ghosted in at the back post to head Steve Whitehall's corner just over the bar.  Then on the half hour Tipton blasted over the bar from a couple of yards out after Mark Innes had bustled his way into the area to create the opportunity. Just as it looked as if a goal would never arrive, the game suddenly burst into life five minutes before the break. Firstly, Wigan striker Simon Haworth was brought down by Gary Kelly in the area and awarded a penalty. Former Latics midfielder Neil Redfearn stepped up to fire the visitors into the lead. However, the lead barely lasted two minutes as Oldham were immediately back on level terms.  Whitehall and Tipton - in the side for the injured Mark Allott - combined to make a determined run into the Wigan box, where the latter managed to get the ball past 'keeper Roy Carroll and into the net at the second attempt. The goal marked a year to the day since Tipton last hit the back of the net for the Latics. After the excitement of the two goals, Oldham enjoyed their best spell as they went in pursuit of a quick second. And they very nearly achieved that when Jones' header from a corner was cleared off the line by Clegg. Wigan began the second half with a lot more purpose and had several chances to add to their tally, with Clegg being the main culprit for missing the best opportunities. On 55 minutes he fired wide on the turn after Kelly had dropped a cross well off his goal-line, and moments later he saw his strong effort well saved by Kelly after being involved in the game's best move with Darren Sheridan and Redfearn. 
Kelly was on his toes again when he saved a shot from Carl Bradshaw, who had got on the end of a Neil Roberts knock-down. Wigan's attacking prowess subsided in the final 20 minutes and the game developed into an untidy tussle with neither side looking like adding to the goals scored tally.  However, with only three minutes left on the clock Arjan De Zeeuw made a last gasp challenge on Whitehall in the area to concede a corner. And from Whitehall's flag-kick, Jones climbed above a melee of players to head the ball, seemingly via a slight deflection, past Carroll and into the back of the net. Tipton had the chance to make it three in injury time but, after going round Carroll, his shot was deflected wide of the post by Darren Sheridan - brother of Oldham's John - and out for a corner. Oldham held out comfortably through three minutes of time added on to seal an unlikely double over their big spending Lancashire rivals and maintain a mid-table position of 11th on 55 points.
 Sporting Life Weekend reviewLeaders Preston had to settle for a point at Deepdale as Cardiff did their hopes of avoiding relegation a power of good when holding David Moyes' side to a 0-0 draw. Second-placed Wigan took full advantage by beating Oxford 2-0 at the JJB Stadium. Simon Haworth took his tally to 13 with a brace of goals for the Latics, who can move to within two points of North End if they win their game in hand. The victory also pulled the Latics two points clear of third-placed Bristol Rovers after the Pirates failed to win for the fifth time on the trot.

Rovers had to make do with a 1-1 draw at Cambridge where Trevor Benjamin established a club record by scoring for the eighth match in succession. Jason Roberts' 20th of the season rescued a point.

Millwall staked a firm claim for a play-off spot with a 3-0 demolition of Bury, Paul Moody, Joe Dolan and Neil Harris, with his 19th of the season, getting on the scoresheet.

Stoke nipped above Gillingham, who drew 2-2 with Reading on Friday night, into the top six with a 1-0 win over Brentford, Peter Thorne netting his fifth in three games in the eighth minute to take the points.

And Burnley's investment in Ian Wright paid a handsome dividend when he came off the bench to hit a last-minute clincher in their 2-1 win over Notts County. Andy Payton had earlier notched his 25th of the season before County's leading scorer Mark Stallard struck back with just four minutes remaining.

At the other end of the table Chesterfield slipped further from grace, going down 2-1 at home to 10-man Wycombe. A David Reeves penalty brought a glimmer of hope for the Spireites before Keith Ryan and Sean Devine, with his 24th of the season, gave Wanderers the points.

Relegation-haunted Blackpool took a vital point at Colchester where James Thomas wiped out Karl Duguid's first-minute strike to make it 1-1, while Scunthorpe extended their winless run to eight games after going down 2-1 at home to Luton. Phil Gray and Gary Doherty scored for the Hatters and Andy Dawson's 71st-minute strike was scant consolation.

Mid-table Bristol City thumped Wrexham 4-0 with Tony Thorne netting twice to go with efforts from Peter Beadle and Alex Meechan. A confident-looking Bournemouth easily disposed of Oldham 3-0 at Dean Court.
Team P Home Away Pts Goal
Diff
W D L F A W D L F A
Preston 41 13 4 4 33 21 11 7 2 33 12 83 33
Wigan 41 14 3 4 36 13 7 12 1 31 19 78 35
Bristol Rovers 41 12 6 2 30 15 10 4 7 34 23 76 26
Millwall 41 13 6 2 38 16 8 6 6 27 24 75 25
Burnley 40 14 3 3 36 17 6 10 4 20 20 73 19
Stoke 41 10 7 3 31 17 9 6 6 29 23 70 20
Gillingham 39 12 3 4 36 19 8 6 6 28 24 69 21
Notts County 41 9 5 6 29 22 9 5 7 28 24 64 11
Bristol City 41 7 13 1 29 14 6 5 9 22 33 57 4
Luton 41 10 5 5 38 31 6 3 12 19 28 56 -2
Oldham 41 8 4 8 24 23 7 6 8 21 26 55 -4
Bournemouth 41 11 4 6 34 16 5 2 13 20 39 54 -1
Wycombe 41 9 4 7 27 23 4 9 8 21 26 52 -1
Reading 41 8 9 4 25 17 5 4 11 26 42 52 -8
Brentford 41 8 5 7 24 25 5 6 10 19 27 50 -9
Bury 40 7 8 5 33 29 4 7 9 19 26 48 -3
Colchester 41 8 4 9 30 35 5 5 10 23 38 48 -20
Wrexham 41 6 6 8 20 24 6 5 10 25 37 47 -16
Cambridge Utd 41 7 6 8 35 31 3 6 11 21 27 42 -2
Oxford Utd 41 5 4 11 20 35 6 3 12 17 32 40 -30
Cardiff 40 4 10 6 22 28 3 7 10 18 26 38 -14
Blackpool 41 3 9 8 22 32 4 6 11 20 36 36 -26
Scunthorpe 41 4 6 11 15 30 4 6 10 22 37 36 -30
Chesterfield 40 4 7 10 15 21 1 5 13 11 33 27 -28

 Contributions and letters should be sent to Gary Davies by e-mail at LaticsGary@cwcom.net.Boundary Bullet-zine Archive can be found at http://www.oocities.org/laticsgary.geo.The views expressed on this e-zine are not the views of Oldham Athletic F.C. nor necessarily the views of the Editor.This e-zine is a unofficial publication NOT sanctioned by Oldham Athletic Football Club.The editor will not publish any letters containing bad language.This e-zine is written using Microsoft Outlook Express and is best viewed with the HTML (rich) text option enabled.