Weather
- V. Mild, Dry then Wet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Latics
Team 37.
Rachubka 2.
McNiven 34. Baudet 32. Beherall 33. Armstrong 30.
Murray 8. J Sheridan 11. Appleby 28. Eyres 38.
Reeves 19. Corazzin Subs
- 1. Kelly 5. Balmer 6. Duxbury (Sheridann 71)9. Tipton 24. Holden (Corazzin
88) Attendance
4555 Well,
it certainly was a game of two halves. The
first half bored us to tears. 45 minutes of absolute nothing. So bad I
almost dozed off. Second half was better and Latics played some decent
stuff in patches. After my criticism of Carlo in recent weeks, I'm happy
to report that he was much better today and a decent performance was capped
by a well take goal. Shouldn't have stood mind but more about that later.
They all count if the ref gives 'em anyway. David Reeves came back but
was a bit of the pace and needs a game or two to get back. Lee Duxbury
was rested and he livened up the show when he came on to replace a tiring
John Sheridan on 71. Julien Baudet Took Stuart Balmer's place and after
some heart stopping distribution in the first 15 minutes, he settled down
and looked pretty solid. Another player who needs a run in the team before
we see his best I feel. Fine displays from David Eyres, Chris Armstrong
and the ever improving Paul Murray (what a signing) again capped off by
a goal. First half and there is virtually nothing to report. Neither side
had a corner, nor were there many shots on goal. Poor passing by both sides
and a distinct lack of any creativity were the order of the day. Latics
opened as if they thought they would walk it and put very little effort
in. County opened as if they had already lost and whilst not lacking in
skill, County look like a side which has lost all belief in itself. However
they probably just shaded the first half in terms of possession and they
made good use of the wings to get round Latics full backs. Nothing up front
to finish, unfortunately for them. Latics had only a few half chances in
the first half. On 9 minutes a flick to Paul Murray (above, left) looked
mouth watering, but Stuart Garden was out fast to claim. But it was a full
20 minutes before either side had a shot on goal and that was a speculative
effort from Chris Armstrong as he was fed by John Sheridan, shot up the
wing and cut inside his marker to fire high and wide. County's best chance
of the half came 3 minutes later when a cross found Ian Richardson on the
far post. His header across the Latics goal looked inviting but there was
no Magpie on the end of it and Chris Armstrong supplied the row z boot
to clear the danger. That was really all there was to report apart from
some pretty poor passing on 31 minutes when John Sheridan and Julien Baudet
between them almost let in Darren Caskey, then as half time approached,
I was jolted awake when David Reeves was scythed down in the box. He waved
his hands in disbelief as the ref. ignored it, then we were glad of the
half time whistle for the schoolboy football to start. Much more entertaining. Second
half and it got better. Just. Latics
were ahead after 49 minutes when a Matty Appleby (right) cross was headed
clear but only as far as Paul Murray who fired a looping header back in
over the off-his-line Stuart Garden. This fired up County who had Latics
pinned back for a couple of minutes but we gradually got back on terms
and David Eyres could have doubled the lead on 52 minutes as a through
ball found him in space but it was very close to the keeper and Garden
managed to get a foot in to deflect the Latics wingers effort. Latics doubled
their lead on 53 minutes and County can count themselves unlucky on two
counts. First David Eyres found his way to the dead ball line and looped
a high cross over the box. The ball went out over the line and back in
again but the flag stayed down. The cross found Carlo 5 yards out, far
post and he fired in a similar looping header to Murray's with Garden again
off his line. Carlo used the nearby defender to gain height and as the
ball went in, we looked anxiously at the liner, expecting a flag for the
foul but none came and Latics were 2-0 up. Hard luck County. This sort
of things happen when you're down. County, to their credit came back at
Latics. On 63 minutes another Caskey stinger brought a fine save from Rachubka,
then three minutes later, Carlo could have doubled his tally when a fast
corner from Eyrsie found him centre goal. The Canadian connected nicely
but his header was too close to Garden and the Magpies keeper held the
shot. Then
as the rain came down in sheets, making control difficult, Duxbury came
on to replace John Sheridan and was immediately in the thick of it as a
David Eyres cross found Reevsie at the back post. At too narrow an angle
for a goal attempt, Reevsie (left) nodded it down for the approaching Dux,
but the ball slid off the Latics captain's boot in the wet and the ball
flew inches over. Back up the other end, a County corner looked dangerous
but Cas put his header wide, before County's final effort of the match,
another stinger which deflected off another County player and looped over.
That was more or less it. If this report seems lacking in detail, it's
because this was that sort of game. "No classic" would be a kind description,
Still, 3 away points are not to be sniffed at and the win takes us up to
6th. We'll have to look a lot sharper against second placed Brighton next
week but with Carlo's new form, David Reeves getting fitter and our new
Argentinian waiting in the wings, it should be an interesting day. Spare
a thought for poor County. Not short of skill, but with the heart missing
from the side, County desperately need a win to bring back their belief.
Glad it didn't come today but let's hope it happens for them soon. No one
wants to see a great old club like them in Division 3. Especially when
you consider that not too many years ago they were with us in the top flight. nottscounty.net
(nottscounty.rivals.net) So
the reality is that we have two poor goalkeepers at the club. We thought
the 'young' Scotsman was better than 'slippery' Mildenhall but yesterday
he showed that everything in the Garden isn't rosy, with the same indecisiveness.
The game had hardly got into gear before the pedantic referee; Trevor Parkes
started blowing up for every little niggling decision. He seemed content
to stop the game if two players went within a foot of each other and whether
contact was made or not. If the truth were told, the disjointed nature
of the game probably suited both managers. Fans found the lack of flowing
football for most of the first half hour of the game most frustrating. Mr
Parkes was one of those automaton referees, and didn't actually appear
to have any knowledge of playing the game. He took no action when David
Reeves blatantly dived in the box but perhaps we should be happy that he
wasn't conned into giving a penalty as he just over-theatrically waved
play on. Notts did at least give a better performance that against Northampton
Town on Tuesday but made hardly any inroads against a subdued Oldham performance.
When Notts did look like breaching their defence, poor finishing and a
lack of finesse were evident as the forwards failed to effectively hit
the target. Oldham's Corazzin then showed a lack of both sportsmanship
and intelligence when Richard Liburd put the ball out of play to allow
the trainer to come on for an injured Notts player. The game was restarted
with a throw-in but instead of passing the ball back, he threw the ball
toward the goal line and then proceeded to follow it up. Fortunately
the linesman knew his 'Laws of Football' and when Corazzin attempted to
play the ball without it first being played by someone else the lino flagged
and referee blew to end the farce. In describing the two Oldham goals that
won the game for the Latics, for there were few other moments of excitement,
Stuart Garden has to be included in any apportionment of blame. Not only
was he indecisive on both occasions, but also badly positioned. His lack
of awareness gave away the initiative to a mediocre Latics team, who didn't
need to very good on the day to take the points.
Oldham
Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Latics
rush to clear Colusso ATHLETIC
were today desperately trying to establish contact with the Argentinian
FA to get international clearance for new-boy Cristian Colusso. Head coach
Mick Wadsworth would like it obtained in time for the midfield player,
who has appeared for Argentina at under-20 and 23 level, to get a run out
with the reserves in tomorrow’s home game against Bury in the Manchester
Senior Cup. Colusso, a 24-year-old who plays for top Argentinian team Rosario
Central, has been signed on loan until the end of the season after impressing
in trials. Athletic are looking forward to seeing Colusso in action because
he has been a revelation in training. Loan signing Matty Appleby, who has
starred in the Premiership, says he has never seen anybody as skilful.
Striker Allan Smart is also likely to get a run out tomorrow after he missed
Saturday’s win at Notts County. The striker pulled out when his pregnant
wife Janette went into labour late on Friday night. And on Saturday morning
Smart was presented with a daughter Kara who weighed in at seven and a
half pounds to join two-year-old son Kian. Matthew Tipton was hurriedly
called into the first-team squad on Saturday 30 minutes before the team
left for Notts County. Tipton, who didn’t get a taste of the action, is
another player likely to get a run out as could Gary Kelly, Stuart Balmer,
Lee Duxbury and Dean Holden who were also on the bench at Meadow Lane.
Craig Dudley made his debut as a late substitute for Scunthorpe in a 2-2
draw at Shrewsbury at the start of a loan spell which was finalised on
Friday. Stubborn
Latics get full marks AS
Athletic edged into the play-off zone, Saturday's display at Notts County
underlined the dilemma faced by Mick Wadsworth. The head coach conceded
the game was not a great spectacle, but Athletic’s display was effective.
Athletic ground out a victory which lifted them into the top six. Athletic
played Port Vale off the park in their previous away match with some sparkling
football, yet headed home empty handed. Saturday demonstrated how Wadsworth
is caught between two stools as he tries to create a team which wins and
entertains at the same time. However, it would have been difficult for
any team to entertain at Meadow Lane. The pitch bore a canny resemblance
to the sandy Boundary Park beach of not so long ago. Throw in the blustery
conditions, occasional heavy rain and County's long-ball tactics, it was
not a match for the video shelves. But Athletic can take plenty of encouragement
from their performance, though after the non event of the opening half
it was difficult to judge which team was in pursuit of promotion and which
was battling to avoid relegation. Wadsworth was pleased with the clean
sheet, Athletic's second in eight matches after 18 goals were leaked in
the previous seven. Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka only had one save of distinction
to make, though County had a couple of misses in keeping with their recent
form. They fired a fourth successive blank so it was no surprise to hear
chants of "give us a goal." Julien
Baudet replaced Stuart Balmer, who relegated to the bench. Baudet teamed
up with David Beharall as Wadsworth tried a new centre-back pairing. David
Reeves was restored to the starting line up while Lee Duxbury stood down
as Wadsworth switched from the 4-5-1 system against Bournemouth to 4-4-2.
The most damning statistic of the opening half was that neither side had
a shot on target. It was stop-start stuff with over-zealous referee Trevor
Parkes blowing for 23 fouls. He had clearly not heard of the advantage
law. Yet it was by no means a rough house with Carlo Corazzin the only
booking in the first 45 minutes and that was for not retreating the mandatory
10 yards for a free-kick. County's Danny Allsopp made a brilliant run from
inside his own half to Athletic's penalty area, only to blaze over. It
was hardly the finish of a 17-goal marksman. The main talking point surrounded
a penalty appeal when Reeves went down under a challenge from Ian Baraclough. The
second half was appreciably better — it could not have been any worse —
and Athletic had sealed victory soon after the restart. Paul Murray broke
the deadlock in the 48th minute with a header which looped over goalkeeper
Stuart Garden. Reeves crossed the ball from the right and, from a headed
clearance, Murray nodded home to break the deadlock. It was his third goal
in his short stay at the club. The lively Reeves turned provider again
when he released David Eyres with a precision pass, only for Garden to
block his effort. But moments later it was 2-0 when Eyres delivered one
of his deadly crosses from the left which the alert Corazzin headed into
the roof of the net from inside the six-yard area. With confidence low
— County have won only twice in their last 21 league games — the home fans
could have easily expected to see more goals from Athletic. But credit
to County, who created chances of their own in the final quarter. Dutchman
Marcel Cas saw a drive from outside the penalty area well tipped over,
Richard Liburd glanced a header narrowly wide and Allsopp fired over when
in a good competition. However, it was Athletic's day as they reinforced
their bid for a play-off spot with their fourth league win of the campaign
away from Boundary Park.
Fit-again Carlo
delighted to be back in the goals
CARLO Corazzin,
who took his tally to three goals in his last four games with a second-half
header against Notts County, feels like a new man following his return
from injury. The Canadian international striker admitted that having a
double hernia operation has proved to be a blessing in disguise. Corazzin,
who had a miserable start to the season, said: "I was carrying an injury
for three months and it prevented me from playing to the best of my ability.
"It reached the stage when I had to sort it out. I feel as though the shackles
have been taken off and I can express myself again." Corazzin was pitched
back into the first team sooner than he anticipated after injuries to David
Reeves and Allan Smart. He responded with a goal when he came on as a substitute
against Wrexham and was on target three days later at Port Vale. Corazzin,
who scored only five times in his first 18 games this season, was also
reassured by head coach Mick Wadsworth that he had a future at Boundary
Park. There had been a doubt over Corazzin's future at Boundary Park when
name was included on a list of players made available to leave on loan.
But Corazzin said: "Mick Wadsworth told me it was a mistake and I should
not have been on the list. I have taken on board what he has said and simply
got on with things." Corazzin is relishing the competition for places up
front. He added: "It keeps you on your toes and makes you push each other.
The gaffer will pick the guys he feels are playing the best football. "If
you don't perform you know you won't play and that is the way to get the
best out of everyone." Corazzin
says Athletic must try to maintain a winning sequence for the remainder
of the season. “We need to pick up as many points as possible and hope
it is enough to reach the play offs or even catch one of the teams above
us. We simply have to keep plugging away," he explained. Wadsworth was
pleased with the win which keeps them in the thick of the promotion hunt.
He said: "It was a solid performance and when we saw the pitch we knew
it wouldn't be spectacular in terms of flowing football. "And Notts County
also showed the way they wanted to play. They were fairly direct with a
lot of long balls, even from midfield. "We played well at Port Vale but
the game opened up. Sometimes away from home you need to be less spectacular,
a little bit tighter and it may be dour. It is, however, important to stay
professional. "I was delighted because in the last couple of games we have
played good football and picked up only one point, so it was important
to get back on track."
Official
Oldham Athletic Web Site (www.oldhamathletic.co.uk)Content
from the Oldham Athletic Web Site is used with permission of Oldham Athletic
Football Club The
Latics travelled to Meadow Lane looking for their third victory of the
season over Notts County. They won here in December but the man that
scored the winner that night was absent after rushing to be by the side
of his wife as she gave birth. Notts County for their part are in dreadful
form losing their last two matches by three goals to nil. Manager
Billy Dearden described the last defeat as unacceptable, but would they
have the spirit to overcome the Latics who need three points to get back
on the promotion trail? Julien Baudet came in for Stuart Balmer to partner
David Beharall at the back and Carlo Corazzin played up front with David
Reeves. Notts County came out looking fired up, Leam Richardson fouled
three times early on without a booking and then Corazzin found himself
booked at a free-kick, which was moved forward ten yards to the delight
of the home fans. Murray had a chance to score but County Keeper Garden
rushed out of the box and the two collided inside the box. Both players
needed treatment but it was the Latics first half chance in a scrappy game. Eyres,
Murray and Appleby combined in a neat passing exchange as the Latics looked
to break the deadlock. Allsopp had a great chance for County after he beat
Baudet and advanced into the box, but his shot didn't test Rachubka as
it flew over. Matty Appleby was working hard helping his defence
out on a couple of occasions. At the other end Appleby set Corazzin
up but his shot flew wide from outside the box. Armstrong and Eyres worked
well on the left before Eyres' cross was headed clear with Garden stranded
as the Latics pushed forward. Corazzin to a knock to his head as
this game continued to be a scrappy affair. Rachubka reacted smartly
to deny Allsopp on the edge of the Latics box from a long clearance out
of the County defence. There was an almighty penalty appeal when Murray
and McNiven combined to put Reeves in the box and he appeared to be brought
down, but the referee waved away the Latics appeals for a spot kick.
Eyres and Armstrong then worked well to set up Reeves, but his header never
troubled Garden. It was a half with little goal action and Mick Wadsworth
would have to inspire his side for a better second half performance.
There were no
changes at half time as the Latics tried to get their promotion push going.
A Matty Appleby cross from the right was met superbly by Paul Murray on
the penalty spot to head home. It was the perfect start to the second
half for the Latics. Rachubka saved for the Latics as Nick Fenton
shot at goal from the edge of the box. Appleby was then on hand to send
Eyres through, but this time Garden saved well to deny Eyres. Eyres
then sent over a deep cross to the far post which was met by magnificently
by Corazzin, his header flew into the roof of the net to give the Latics
a second goal. How would the home side react to such a devastating
ten minute blast from the Latics? Rachubka was on hand again for the Latics
after Caskey had set up Marcel Cas in the box. Beharall and McNiven
did well to prevent Allsopp from shooting in a dangerous position.
Rachubka dived to his left to tip away a fine shot from Marcel Cas as County
tried to get back into the game. From
an Eyres corner, Corazzin headed goalwards, but Garden saved it on his
line. From a Caskey Free Kick, Allsopp and Hefferman both left it
and the ball drifted out for a goal kick - it was a let off for the Latics
and County's most dangerous attempt of the half. Lee Duxbury came
on for John Sheridan who had steadied the midfield all afternoon. Ex-Leeds
man Hackworth came on for County as they tried to get back in the game.
Armstrong had a good chance to score his first Latics goal but Garden saved
well for a Latics corner. At the other end Rachubka did well to deny
Allsopp as the rain began to come down extremely hard. Liburd was put through
but Rachubka slid in at his feet to deny him and Armstrong cleared the
danger. Duxbury then rescued the Latics hacking clear from a dangerous
County cross. Wadsworth sent Dean Holden on for Carlo Corazzin, the Canadian
had played well this afternoon and deserved his goal. It was a much
needed victory for the Latics against a County side who put up a brave
display. A clean sheet was important for the Latics, but the ten
minutes after half time were fantastic. Murray's
Delight
After the 2-0
win at Meadow Lane this afternoon, The Official Website spoke to goalscorer
Paul Murray A
goal with your left foot, right foot and now your head, have you ever scored
a header before?
It was my first
ever goal I've scored with my head and the goal at Chesterfield was the
first ever goal I'd scored with my left foot. My aim is to score
10 goals from midfield this season.
What is the
most goals you've scored in a season?
I scored 8 goals
for QPR in the first division, I was ever present though that season. We
were the only side in the top 8 to win today, what are your thoughts on
the rest of the season?
We've dropped
to many points to lesser sides in recent weeks so we need to be more ruthless
in the coming weeks. We have to play some sides who are above us
and we need to be ruthless especially when we take the lead. Brighton
next week, What are your thoughts?
I think it will
be great if we can take points off them and I feel we play better against
the better teams in the division. Good
News for Allan Smart, his wife giving birth to a little baby girl.
Great news for
Allan, I hope to be in the same position in 5 weeks when my wife is expecting
to give birth too. Finally,
a word about the Latics support, they seem to have taken to you?
It's nice that
they have taken to me, I hope to think so any way, the support today was
great and I just hope that they can up the volume next week against Brighton.
Nottingham
Evening Post (www.mymagpies.co.uk) Two
goals in the space of seven minutes saw Notts County crash to their fifth
defeat in a row at Meadow Lane this afternoon. Billy Dearden made five
changes to the side that lost at Wycombe. Marcel Cas was restored to the
side as was leading scorer Danny Allsopp, but it was all in vain as County
turned in another sub-standard performance. The first half was dire, the
referee Parkes hardly helped matters, constantly stopping play for minor
infringements. Neither side could get into their stride and the first decent
chance on goal came in Allsopp hit wide of the goal in the 25th minute.
Oldham weren't much better and the Magpies had cause for optimism when
they went in at half-time at 0-0 with Ian Richardson working hard to improve
Notts desperately poor defensive record. It was all ripped to shreds after
the break, when Oldham's Paul Murray stole in to head home the first goal
5 minutes after the break. Notts were then hit by a double-whammy, when
Canadian striker Carlo Corrazin repeated the feat to put the ball past
Stuart Garden. That seven minute spell ripped the heart and the confidence
out of the Magpies, and although they had a number of chances through Heffernan
and Allsopp they could do nothing to convert them. Richardson's dedication
took it's toll and he had to be replaced by Hackworth, but the former Leeds
man couldn't find a path to goal. Notts went down to their fifth defeat
in a row and their seventh home victory. Surely now the Magpies must face
up to the reality of staring relegation full in the face, and Billy Dearden
and Peter Storrie must be wondering what they can do to salvage anything
from this rotten season. County
in financial trouble Notts
County have had a transfer embargo placed on them. The embargo came into
effect after the Magpies were forced to ask the Professional Footballers'
Association to help pay players' wages in January. County’s managing director
Geoff Davey said on the club's official website: “The postponement of two
home fixtures due to bad weather during the first week of January resulted
in the loss of substantial revenue “A short-term loan to address this situation
has meant an embargo on incoming transfer activity “This is a temporary
arrangement and it is expected that the position will be resolved in the
very near future.” The embargo will anger new manager Billy Dearden who
said today that he needs new players in his squad to help in the fight
to avoid relegation. Saturday's defeat against Oldham was the club's fifth
successive loss and they have failed to score in any of their last four
games. Dearden
looks for fresh faces Frustrated
Billy Dearden today insisted struggling Notts County need at least two
new signings to bolster their desperate relegation fight. The Magpies boss
believes the club must delve into the transfer market if they are to have
any realistic hopes of avoiding the drop into Division Three. After notching
up their fifth consecutive defeat, at the hands of Oldham on Saturday,
Dearden is convinced new faces are needed to boost his side’s flagging
confidence. And he admits he is hoping to bring new players in before Saturday’s
trip to top-of-the-table Reading — especially after seeing promising on-loan
defender Liam Chilvers recalled to Arsenal. “I think that yes, we need
at least two new faces to give us a chance,” he said. “We need to bring
in a few players to provide a bit of belief. “There are a couple of positions
we need to strengthen and, the sooner we do so, the better. “I will be
looking at what we can do this week, whether it be through loan signings
or whatever. “If somebody comes in for any of our players and it is possible
to sell — and we have the right targets lined up — we will do so.” Dearden
was slightly encouraged by his side’s spirit against Oldham, but warns
there still needs to be a dramatic improvement in two key areas. “We gave
away two sloppy goals from throw-ins and again managed to miss a lot of
chances at the other end.” One signing Dearden hopes to make is that of
Chilvers, but that will not happen now until the summer. “Liam’s loan spell
has expired and Arsenal would not let us extend it any further,” he said.
“They recalled Liam to Highbury as they need him for cover. “But he is
out of contract at the end of the season and we will be monitoring the
situation carefully.” Time
running out for Magpies When
it comes to being a victim of trends, nobody does it better than the average
footballer. A few years ago it was Robbie Fowler’s nose clip, which supposedly
enabled players to breathe easier during matches. Lately, that theory has
taken on another step, with many Premiership stars now taking to smearing
copious amounts of Vicks on their shirts. Perhaps the best step Billy Dearden
could take this week would be to go out and buy a huge quantity of both.
Because, after this weekend, only the very clearest of heads will keep
the Magpies out of Division Three. Saturday’s defeat, against a sometimes
lacklustre Oldham side was a complete contrast to the capitulation at the
hands of Northampton Town. This time there was no lack of passion, no deficiency
in determination. But there were a couple of vital lapses in concentration
and, perhaps, a lack of belief where it counts. And Notts were still very
much to blame for picking up their fifth consecutive defeat. As Dearden
admitted afterwards: “You simply cannot concede goals like that from thrown-ins
and give the opposition a two-goal start.” But while they were guilty of
some more than generous defending, an equal factor was their generosity
at the opposite end of the pitch. For
while they made two slip-ups at the back, they missed three times that
amount of opportunities at the opposite end. And the fact they have now
completed more than six hours of football without scoring a goal goes a
long way towards explaining their plight. But, on Saturday, Notts had many
chances to put an end to that drought. Mark Warren headed high and wide
when completely unmarked at the far post and Danny Allsopp somehow managed
to guide the ball over the bar from inside the six-yard box. And Marcel
Cas — who had repeatedly disappointed with his crossing and had missed
two earlier chances to net — almost made amends as he forced an acrobatic
save with a thundering drive. It was clear the one thing they were lacking
was a little belief. Unfortunately that belief will only have been dented
further by their recent fortunes. Just over a week ago, a single win would
have been enough to pull the Magpies out of the relegation zone. Now they
find themselves six points from safety and just one place off the bottom
of the table. The Magpies, for the first time in three matches at Meadow
Lane, provided some evidence that they may have what it takes to pull themselves
out of trouble. But hinting that they may be capable of picking up three
points is not the same as claiming a victory. Time
is fast running out. And, with each passing match, relegation starts to
look more of a possibility. Notts, if Dearden’s initial target for safety
still rings true, already need to pick up nine more victories from their
remaining 15 matches. That in itself sounds like a mountain to climb. But
that mountain is transformed from Snowden to Everest when you consider
their current record of just two wins in 22 matches. Notts showed a little
more character, a little more battle on Saturday. But it still wasn’t enough.
And you get the feeling that only a gargantuan effort will suffice now.
There was one difference to the midweek defeat that may give the team some
encouragement — the backing the fans offered from the stands. It was certainly
a contrast to the chants offered on Tuesday night. As Dearden says, all
fans expect is to see their side give everything in their efforts to avoid
the drop. And if they can do that then perhaps they will get their reward.
Notts do have a mountain to climb. But their task is not yet impossible.
TEAMtalk
(www.teamtalk.co.uk) Corazzin
proves a point
Carlo Corazzin
has hit back after being told he can leave Boundary Park by scoring his
third goal in four games at Notts County on Saturday. The 30-year-old Canadian
international striker was one of 13 players who were being allowed to go
out on loan, but he has not looked back since speaking to boss Mick Wadsworth
about his future. Corazzin scored five times in 11 games earlier in the
season then missed 10 matches following a double hernia operation. His
header at a gale-lashed Meadow Lane made it eight goals in 21 games for
the season - beating his tally of seven for the whole of his last campaign.
Corazzin's recent form has certainly left Wadsworth with a selection headache.
Recent £225,000 signing from Watford, Allan Smart, had to drop out
on Saturday after his wife went into labour with their second child.
Another new-boy
David Reeves also made a return from injury to leave the trio chasing the
two striking roles. Wadsworth said: "They are going to have to fight for
those places. "It is going to be an interesting battle to see who stays
on the pitch, but that can only be healthy for the club." Corazzin was
never up for sale and his goal spurt will almost certainly put any loan
move on ice, as The Latics now bid to consolidate their position in the
play-off zone. Wadsworth added: "Anyone who can score goals is important
to a side and Carlo is definitely not a player we want to lose. "He has
done well since he came back into team and I am delighted for him." Corazzin
said: "I had a chat with the gaffer and he told me I was part of his plans.
"Hopefully, I can now stay fit."
New signing
set for debut Fans
may get a look at new signing Cristian Calusso sooner than they think with
the club hoping to gain international clearance by tomorrow. The reserves
have a game against neighbours Bury at Boundary Park on Tuesday night,
and boss Mick Wadsworth has already pencilled in the £2m rated midfielder
for a run-out. Calusso has been signed on loan until the end of the season
with a view to making the deal permanent. Meanwhile, striker Allan Smart,
whose wife gave birth to a baby girl on Saturday, will also be given a
game to keep up his fitness levels. The 28-year-old Scot was back in training
on Monday morning. Bumper
gate awaits
The Latics are
hoping for a big gate when Brighton visit Boundary Park in what is a promotion
six-pointer on Saturday. The clash with Peter Taylor's men is the
next in what will be a key month as the Second Division promotion places
begin to take shape. Boss Mick Wadsworth said: "This is going to be a big,
big month for us." The only doubt for the game is over veteran striker
David Reeves, who made his comeback in the win over Notts County after
recovering from ankle ligament damage, but took an knock on that ankle
in the 2-0 win - although he is expected to recover in time.
Sporting
Life Saturday review (www.sportinglife.com) ROYAL
FINISH FROM SALAKO Former
England international John Salako saved Reading's blushes at Bury
as the Second Division leaders had to settle for a point. The draw still
left them seven points clear of their nearest rivals Brighton after a run
of seven straight wins prior to Saturday's action. Jon Newby's goal for
the Shakers, who this week underwent a change of chairman, was the first
conceded by Reading in 653 minutes of league football. But Salako popped
up 11 minutes before the end to secure a point at Gigg Lane.Third-placed
Stoke missed their chance to move up to second when they slipped
to a 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth. Stephen Purches gave the Cherries
the lead on six minutes and Richard Hughes doubled the advantage two minutes
before half-time. Warren Feeney added a third (56) before Rikki Dadason
(63) scored a consolation for the Potters from the penalty spot.
Bristol City
were denied the chance to go level on points with Stoke when a last-minute
goal from Leon Knight - on loan from Chelsea - earned Huddersfield
a point at Ashton Gate. The Robins had gone ahead midway through the second
period through Lee Peacock, but Knight had the final say for the Terriers,
who slip out of the top six.
Fifth-placed
Brentford also failed to improve their position as they were held
1-1 by Colchester. Lloyd Owusu gave the Bees a 25th-minute lead,
but Northern Ireland striker Adrian Coote - a recent signing from Norwich
- netted his first goal for the U's.
Oldham
moved up two places to sixth with a 2-0 win away at Notts County,
Paul Murray (49) and Carlo Corazzin (54) on target for the Latics.
QPR dropped
a place to eighth after they were held to a goalless draw by rock-bottom
Cambridge at Loftus Road, while Tranmere were unmoved in
ninth following their stalemate against Chesterfield.
A last-minute
penalty by Trinidadian midfielder Hector Sam earned Wrexham a 3-2
win over Peterborough to move them up two places to 21st. Denis
Smith's side went ahead after a quarter-of-an hour through Craig Faulconbridge,
but Posh hit back instantly through Tom Cowan. The Dragons restored their
lead mere seconds after the interval through Michael Blackwood, but Francis
Green (69) appeared to have earned the home side a point until Sam struck
from the spot.
Swindon
forced Northampton down a place to 22nd with a 2-1 win at the County
Ground - despite having only 10 men for most of the second half following
Sol Davis' sending-off. Marco Gabbiadini, such a prolific scorer in his
long career in the English game, scored an own goal to put the Robins ahead
after five minutes and Danny Invincible grabbed the second after 64 minutes.
Jamie Forrester's consolation (81) set up a tight finish, but the Cobblers
could not find an equaliser.
Blackpool
moved to within a point of Wigan by beating their Lancashire neighbours
1-0 at the JJB Stadium thanks to an 11th-minute goal from John Murphy.
Port Vale
drew 1-1 with Wycombe in a game between two mid-table sides, veteran
striker John Durnin (23) putting the Valiants ahead, but Dannie Bulman
equalising with 17 minutes left for the Chairboys.
| Team |
P |
Home |
Away |
Pts |
Goal
Diff |
| W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
| Reading |
31 |
10 |
2 |
4 |
27 |
13 |
9 |
3 |
3 |
21 |
12 |
62 |
23 |
| Brighton |
29 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
25 |
11 |
5 |
8 |
3 |
16 |
19 |
55 |
11 |
| Stoke |
31 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
26 |
10 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
19 |
21 |
54 |
14 |
| Bristol City |
30 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
24 |
15 |
7 |
3 |
5 |
23 |
17 |
52 |
15 |
| Brentford |
30 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
35 |
9 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
18 |
24 |
49 |
20 |
| Oldham |
31 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
31 |
13 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
24 |
27 |
49 |
15 |
| Huddersfield |
30 |
9 |
4 |
3 |
25 |
15 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
19 |
17 |
49 |
12 |
| QPR |
31 |
7 |
7 |
2 |
26 |
14 |
6 |
2 |
7 |
17 |
19 |
48 |
10 |
| Tranmere |
28 |
8 |
6 |
2 |
32 |
13 |
5 |
2 |
5 |
15 |
21 |
47 |
13 |
| Cardiff |
29 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
24 |
19 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
17 |
14 |
44 |
8 |
| Wycombe |
29 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
28 |
11 |
2 |
6 |
7 |
14 |
25 |
43 |
6 |
| Swindon |
31 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
18 |
16 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
18 |
25 |
42 |
-5 |
| Port Vale |
31 |
8 |
4 |
4 |
27 |
18 |
3 |
3 |
9 |
12 |
26 |
40 |
-5 |
| Colchester |
32 |
8 |
3 |
5 |
27 |
21 |
3 |
4 |
9 |
21 |
33 |
40 |
-6 |
| Wigan |
31 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
21 |
19 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
21 |
19 |
38 |
4 |
| Blackpool |
30 |
5 |
7 |
3 |
21 |
20 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
16 |
28 |
37 |
-11 |
| Peterborough |
29 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
30 |
17 |
3 |
3 |
9 |
10 |
22 |
35 |
1 |
| Chesterfield |
28 |
6 |
1 |
7 |
25 |
24 |
3 |
7 |
4 |
12 |
14 |
35 |
-1 |
| Bournemouth |
30 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
22 |
17 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
16 |
29 |
33 |
-8 |
| Bury |
31 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
17 |
20 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
13 |
29 |
32 |
-19 |
| Wrexham |
32 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
18 |
25 |
3 |
2 |
11 |
20 |
43 |
28 |
-30 |
| Northampton |
30 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
13 |
24 |
4 |
1 |
10 |
19 |
29 |
27 |
-21 |
| Notts County |
31 |
3 |
5 |
7 |
16 |
24 |
3 |
3 |
10 |
19 |
31 |
26 |
-20 |
| Cambridge Utd |
29 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
19 |
21 |
0 |
2 |
12 |
9 |
33 |
23 |
-26 |
Contributions
and letters should be sent to Gary
Davies by e-mail at LaticsGary@ntlworld.comor
at Boundary Bullet-zine,41
Verney Road,Royton,Oldham,United
Kingdom.OL2
6AZ07786
928689Or
in the Setons Chaddy end Row R Seats 67 & 68Boundary
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4th February 2002