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Today's Edition for
 
    14th February 2002 
The logo's are used with the permission of Oldham Athletic Football Club
 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Sheridan fitness hangs in balance JOHN Sheridan’s bid to be fit for Saturday’s visit to promotion rivals Bristol City will go right to the wire, according to Athletic coach Iain Dowie. The veteran midfield player is still trying to shake off a knee injury which he picked up during the first half of last Saturday’s important win over Brighton. Sheridan has missed training so far this week, and Athletic are hoping the rest will aid his recovery. Said Dowie: “John’s a very experienced player and he will know if he is ready. There is still time and there won’t be a decision on his fitness just yet.” Sheridan has played an important part in Athletic’s push for promotion with a string of consistent displays and his knowledge on the field could be vital against fourth-placed City. One man who will definitely make the trip to Ashton Gate is Matty Appleby, who has impressed head coach Mick Wadsworth since he began his loan spell from Barnsley. Athletic are making moves to sign the former Premiership player on a permanent basis. He is available on a free transfer. Appleby’s one-month loan spell ends after Saturday’s game but Athletic are expected to keep hold of him for another month or sign him if a deal can be sorted out. Mark Allott, meanwhile, has yet to make up his mind over a move to Chesterfield. The second month of the striker’s loan spell runs out later this month and officials at Saltergate are keen for him to sign. There were mixed fortunes for those looking to impress Wadsworth at last night’s reserve-team game against Burnley. Argentinian Cristian Colusso gave a good account of himself in difficult conditions, while Manchester United youngster Steven Clegg went off as a precaution early on after taking a knock on the ankle. Dean Holden, who is battling with Scott McNiven for a place in defence, was sent off. However, his ban will not effect his first-team opportunities. Danny Boshell was today nursing a fat lip and chipped tooth after receiving an accidental smack in the mouth from one of his own players. 
 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 Player Contract Extended

David Eyres has agreed to a 12 month extension to his existing contract which will keep the 'likeable Scouser and fans favourite at Boundary Park until June 2003. Eyres, 37, is enjoying somewhat of a purple patch in his career, having scored 11 goals in League and Cup competitions this season making him Latics's top goalscorer. Although the player celebrates his birthday on 26th February there is no sign of the experienced winger showing any form of fatigue. Latics's Head Coach, Mick Wadsworth is delighted to have secured Eyres's services for a further season. Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now?

News has just hit the website that Latics striker Mark Allott is possibly stalling on a permanent move to Chesterfield. It has been commented that the player is arguably holding out for a better deal. It is thought however, that this particular deal could be concluded in the next 24 hours. Appleby - Signing Update

Alan Hardy spoke to the Website today on the latest news and speculation around Matty Appleby. "Unfortunately at this moment I can't confirm that Matty is a Latics's player. We have been trying to get hold of his agent, but it has been difficult. However we are close to securing a permanent deal and should be able to make an announcement very soon." Appleby has been a hit with Latics fans in his short spell at Boundary Park scoring on Saturday against Brighton and a cracking 18 yard piledriver against Port Vale. Forthcoming away games

Saturday 23rd February 2002.
Peterborough Utd- 3pm 800 seats. Adults, £15; Junior / OAP, £7; Students £7 (with NUS card). 3000 standing. Adults £10. Concessions as above. Disabled to go to Gate 21 in Moys End Stand car park; £7 disabled and £7 helper. NO TICKETS, ALL PAY ON DAY. Tuesday 5th March 2002.
BURY, 7.45pm 2,500 seats, Adults £14; Junior / OAP £7. Family Tickets: 1 adult and 1 child - £12 - purchase form Bury ticket office on the night of the match. NO TICKETS, ALL PAY ON DAY. Saturday 9th March 2002
WIGAN ATHLETIC 3pm 6000 seats, Adults £13; OAP / Junior £8
Disabled: Wheelchair free, helper £13. NO TICKETS- ALL PAY ON DAY. (To be confirmed at a later date by Wigan).

Cross sums up Burnley defeat

Reserve team manager David Cross spoke exclusively to the official website about a strong Burnley side. "Burnley are a very strong side of mostly first team players which is good for us to play against. We competed very well for twenty minutes and then just made a mistake at the back and went one down. We were under pressure for quite long periods of the game but without actually looking like conceding. However we then did concede another goal to go 2 - 0 down at half time having played quite well in the first half. I was quite encouraged by what we'd done but obviously the third goal of the game would be most important; if we got it we had a chance, if they got it it would put us out of reach really. They really didn't threaten us too much in the second half. We had most of the possession but couldn't score. We had Dean Holden sent off with ten minutes to go which obviously gave us problems but then scored on the death, right on the 90th minute with a good header from Scott Vernon. Bright spots, Adam Griffin did very well- coming on as substitute and going at left back. Cristian Colusso's performance was encouraging, he got a full 90 minutes obviously building up his fitness, showing some magical touches on the ball. Disappointing that we didn't get our goal possibly 10 or 15 minutes earlier to give us a chance but we actually got it with just 30 seconds left and no time to come back. Obviously disappointing to go so close,  we've lost a number of games this season by the odd goal which suggests we're getting quite close to the top teams, but just lacking that killer instinct to finish them off. Overall, reasonably encouraging against a good Burnley team. If we put in that kind of performance in future games then we should accumulate enough points to stay up which is our aim at the moment".

 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Boss reluctant on Tipton exit 
Mick Wadsworth admits he "thought long and hard" before agreeing to let Matthew Tipton join Macclesfield Town on a free transfer yesterday. The former Welsh Under-21 international put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal after passing a medical at Moss Rose yesterday. The 22-year-old made 129 appearances for The Latics, scoring 15 goals, but had fallen out of favour following Andy Ritchie's departure and is the third player to leave Boundary Park inside a week. Wadsworth admits he was unsure about whether to let the star depart but has hedged his bets by insisting on a hefty sell-on clause before releasing the hitman. Wadsworth said: "We thought long and hard about letting him go, but we didn't want to deny him the chance of first-team football. "As far as Matthew was concerned it was down to that, money didn't come in to it and that in itself is refreshing. "He has a chance of developing further in a lower division and is young enough to make progress. Should that happen we have the protection of the sell-on clause." Meanwhile, Macclesfield boss Dave Moss was delighted to snap up the star, who had attracted interest from Preston North End last season. "We've got a steal and I think Oldham know that as well," said Moss. "He's taken a pay-cut to come here and I think that speaks volumes. "He can score with both feet and will learn a lot from Lee Glover. He's still young and will get better. I'm delighted to have him at the club." 
Star set for City outing Cristian Calusso could be given a first team start at Bristol City on Saturday as John Sheridan is still doubtful for the trip to Ashton Gate. 36-year-old Sheridan is under treatment for a knee injury and will take a late fitness test ahead of the game, but if he fails then Calusso could be his ready-made replacement. The little Argentinian, who is on loan at Boundary Park until the end of the season, was man-of-match in the reserve team defeat and played for the full 90 minutes. The game was watched by Mick Wadsworth, who admitted afterwards that he was suitably impressed by a "very clever player".

Holden off as reserves defeated Dean Holden was sent-off as The Latics reserves slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Lancashire rivals Burnley at Boundary Park last night. Holden saw red late on after picking up two yellows cards but the dismissal will not harm his first team chances because players can only be banned if the sending-off is for violent conduct. Two strikes from Paul Cook put Burnley in the driving seat before The Latics pulled back a consolation goal through Scott Vernon. The defeat capped a miserable night for Oldham, who had earlier seen trialist Steve Clegg limp off the field after suffering ankle ligament damage. Disappointed coach David Cross said afterwards: "Burnley put out a very experienced side and they made us pay for two mistakes."

Wilson wary of Latics test 
Bristol City boss Danny Wilson is expecting a tough test of his side's promotion credentials when The Latics visit Ashton Gate on Saturday. After a bright start to the season, Oldham have struggled to keep up the pressure on the teams in the play-off places. But in recent weeks their form has returned and they can join City on 55 points, providing they secure the three points at Ashton Gate. Wilson warned: "They have had some really good results lately and have some quality players so it promises to be a very competitive game. "I know the Sheridan brothers well and both seem to be on top of their game at the moment. It's probably no coincidence that Oldham are winning matches with them playing consistently. "We are always confident of winning games at Ashton Gate and this is an important one because, as well as enhancing our own promotion prospects, we can dent those of a close rival." City are hoping for a big crowd to back them in a vital fixture. Wilson added: "I still believe we can make the atmosphere at Ashton Gate more intimidating for visiting teams. "It would be nice to think our supporters will turn out in force and really get behind the lads at a crucial stage of the season."

Striker targets a return 
Tony Thorpe is back in training and hoping for a quick recall to the City team for Saturday's home game with Oldham Athletic. The 14-goal top scorer missed last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers with a minor hamstring injury. But it now appears to have cleared up and Thorpe should be ready to resume his strike partnership with Lee Peacock. Marvin Brown could well drop back to the bench after making his first league start of the season at Wycombe. With Peacock having scored his 13th goal of the season at Adams Park, the battle is on to see who will finish City's top marksman this term. Thorpe still remains on the transfer list, however, with no sign of a firm offer, the 27-year-old now looks set to stay at Ashton Gate at least until the transfer deadline day next month.

Cook on form for reserves 
Midfielder Paul Cook played a starring role for Burnley's reserves as they recorded a 2-1 win over Oldham at Boundary Park on Wednesday night. The Clarets were far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests as they were denied by the woodwork and Oldham's goal was scored in the dying seconds. Cook got both the Burnley goals, after 12 and 36 minutes, but before and in-between those strikes, Burnley could have run riot. Early in the encounter Gary Kelly saved well from both Graham Branch and Tony Ellis, and just before Cook's second, the crossbar denied Robbie Blake his first goal in a Claret and Blue shirt after great approach play by the man-of-the-match midfielder. Oldham had a goal disallowed on the stroke of half-time and continued to push forward after the break. But The Clarets were then back on top and Cook almost completed a hat-trick only to see his shot blocked. Burnley did not create many chances after that and Oldham did try and get back into the game, but could only manage a late consolation with the last kick of the game. 

 Lancashire Evening Post (www.thisislancashire.co.uk) Cook caps 'debut' with double strike 
PAUL Cook scored a brace on his Avon Insurance Premier Division debut as a strong Burnley side recorded a comfortable win at Oldham Athletic. Reserve manager Ronnie Jepson had a wealth of talent at his disposal with a back line of Mark McGregor, Mitchell Thomas, Gordon Armstrong and Graham Branch. And £1m striker Robbie Blake made his first start in a claret and blue shirt, linking up with Tony Ellis up front. Oldham had a mixture of youth and experience in their line up with Gary Kelly in goal and the nippy Cristian Colusso, a recent signing from Argentina, causing havoc in midfield. But it was the Clarets who had the early chances, Branch's 18 yard effort being tipped round Kelly's post and then the Latics shot-stopper denied Ellis with his legs on ten minutes. It was midfielder Cook - who hadn't played in a reserve game in his four years at Turf Moor - who made the breakthrough, Blake finding him on the edge of the area and he fired low down the middle of Kelly's goal on 12 minutes. Oldham then lost the services of the Manchester United youngster, right back Steve Clegg, with an injury but Dean Holden had the next effort for the Latics, his long range effort being saved by Luigi Cennamo. Danny Boshell then played a great cross in which just evaded the head of the lively Scott Vernon. Blake, who has been used as a substitute in his four games for the Clarets first team, came close to scoring his first Burnley goal on 35 minutes. Cook played a great ball through from midfield to the former Bradford man on the edge of the area. He beat Stuart Balmer and fired in a shot which came off the underside of the crossbar and bounced to safety. But one minute later, Cook made it two, his 18 yard shot was deflected off Balmer and sneaked into the right hand corner of Kelly's goal. There was a moment of controversy when Holden said Ellis had elbowed him in the face in an off-the-ball incident but the referee showed both yellow and Thomas later went into the book for a foul. Brad Maylett had a good game on the right wing, causing the Oldham backline a number of problems, but it was Oldham who got the ball into the back of the net on the stroke of half time although Vernon's 'goal' was ruled out for pushing on Branch. Oldham had the early chances after the interval, the best coming from Colusso who turned and shot in the area but his effort was just wide. Cook then belted a shot goalwards from the edge of the area as he looked for his hat-trick but that was blocked while Cennamo had to finger tip wide a stunning effort from John Eyre. Mark Rasmussen came on to replace Blake after 68 minutes and Maylett was pushed up front with Ellis for the final 20 minutes. But they couldn't find another way through the Oldham defence and Ellis was then substituted five minutes from time after feeling the effects of a hard tackle by Holden. Oldham finally got on the scoresheet with the final kick of the game, Lee Hardy's corner was flicked into the top corner of the net by Vernon. CLARETS: Cennamo, McGregor, Branch, Armstrong, Thomas, Pilkington, Maylett, Cook, Ellis (O'Neill 85), Blake (Rasmussen 68), Waine. Subs not used: Davis, Salisbury, Leeson, Scott. OLDHAM...1 BURNLEY...2 Clarets players are heading backAS the first division promotion race hot's up there was good news for Clarets' boss Stan Ternent after last night's reserves clash with Oldham. A number of senior professionals featured in a strong line-up that won 2-1 at Boundary Park. Two goal Paul Cook, experienced defenders Mitchell Thomas and Gordon Armstrong and £1million signing Robbie Blake all staked a claim for inclusion in Ternent's plans for Saturday's visit of Nottingham Forest to Turf Moor. Reserve team boss Ronnie Jepson admitted: "We were pleased with last night as we had a few players out there striving for full fitness. "It was a competitive match as Oldham had a decent side out as did we. A few lads were a bit tentative but the main aim was to improve their fitness. "We want to give the manager options but the players know they have to be 100 per cent fit for the first team. "Everyone was fine after the game, they are all getting closer to coming back and that is good news for the gaffer." Thomas looked especially sharp and seems to have at last fully recovered from the abductor strain that has restricted him to just one start this season, against Walsall in September. Ternent has expressed his concern over the form of centre backs Ian Cox and Arthur Gnohere in recent weeks and the 37-year-old's experience could prove vital in the coming weeks. He came through the full 90 minutes without any obvious problem and is now in the frame for a role on Saturday. Cook, an ever present before his loan move to Wigan in December, has made just one start since his return and he was again an unused substitute against Rotherham United on Tuesday night. But he struck twice in the first half last night to secure the 2-1 victory and remind Ternent what he can do. Jepson said: "The first was down to excellent work from Graham Branch and the second followed good pressure on the ball." The match also marked Blake's first start in a Burnley shirt but having played half an hour at Rotherham the previous night he was taken off in the second half as he continues his search for full fitness. "He is another one looking for fitness and he has now got another hour under his belt," said Jepson, following the stomach strain Blake was suffering from when he joined the Clarets. Blake struck the underside of the bar in the first half and will have benefited from the run-out in Ronnie Jepson's side. There could be even better news for Ternent as influential club skipper Steve Davis is in line for his first outing since the end of October when the reserves return to action next weekend against West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor. On the down side, midfielder Lennie Johnrose missed the game after injuring himself in the warm-up.Also striker Tony Ellis, who recently signed a contract extension until the end of the season, had to hobble off near the end after being fouled by Dean Holden. 
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 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.