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    18th January 2002 
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 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Strike pair in fitness race MICK WADSWORTH breathed a sigh of relief last night after Athletic moved back within striking distance of the play-off zone. While victory over Swindon made it 12 points out of 15 in the league, it also ended a worrying run of three straight defeats. Athletic are now one place outside the top six and Wadsworth admitted: “That was a much-needed win which will hopefully put us back on track. “We had a bad week, but when you are trying to form a team you have to accept a few blips. The most important thing was that we looked solid at the back again, which is always a good springboard for victory. “We have to take it game by game, but we are in a good position and have given ourselves the chance to have a good go at the end of the season. “Although the second goal was a long time in coming, we’d made chances before that and looked quite comfortable. “The performance was generally good. We have still lost only once at home since I came to the club – and that was in a cup competition – so hopefully the fans will come out in numbers for us. The fact we could do well in this league is a good incentive.” Athletic are back at Boundary Park on Saturday for a clash with relegation-threatened Wrexham. The bad news for Wadsworth is he could be without his first-choice strike pairing of David Reeves and Allan Smart. Reeves managed to last the full 90 minutes last night, but he was hurt in a first-minute tackle and played in pain. His ankle swelled up badly and, with only two days between fixtures, he is a major doubt for weekend. Smart, meanwhile, was being assessed today after leaving the field on a stretcher, also in the first half. He suffered a head injury and may not recover in time to face Wrexham. Wadsworth added: “David Reeves was absolutely clattered the first time he received the ball. After seeing his ankle, I don’t know how he got through. “And it was a shame Allan had to come off because he started the game quite well. We’ll just have to see what the doctor says.” John Eyre would be an automatic replacement after rising from the bench to score twice, while Matthew Tipton and Craig Dudley also provide back-up. Eyre breathes new life into Athletic 
ATHLETIC plucked triumph from adversity last night and finally ended their nightmare start to 2002. After three consecutive defeats – each of them increasingly damaging to confidence – it was in danger of becoming the Year of the Big Letdown. But the 2-0 victory over Swindon kept up their impressive home record and, despite the teams’ positions in division two, came somewhat against the odds. Athletic looked to have big problems in the first half when Allan Smart went off on a stretcher, adding to an injury picked up after just 15 seconds by David Reeves. With Reeves clearly struggling, the supply of strikers was running out fast. But enter John Eyre, who seized his chance by wrapping up the points with a goal in each half. Athletic were probably lucky that Swindon lacked the ammunition to trouble them. The visitors put up a fight but were comfortably fended off. This win, however, was absolutely vital and, without hitting much rhythm, Athletic eased themselves back into a semblance of good form. One of the smallest away followings seen at Boundary Park for some time contributed to a crowd of only 3,970 – the lowest of the season – and meant the joint was hardly rocking. You didn’t get the impression a promotion-chasing team was on show. But, more importantly, Athletic gradually warmed to their task and did just enough to suggest they can re-ignite their play-off challenge. It was largely uninspiring stuff and Athletic were again without much of their attacking sharpness in the box. Though build-up play was fine, they weren’t positive enough when the ball arrived in dangerous areas. Having said that, they would tell you last night’s priority was never piling bodies forward, it was to end that abysmal spell of defending. And the target was reached without goalkeeper Paul Rachubka being seriously tested. In the league, Athletic have now kept four clean sheets in five matches. While they were far from watertight – Swindon had a couple of useful opportunities before the outcome was safe – the return of John Sheridan gave more depth to midfield and plugged gaps which had opened up like chasms in the losing run. Sheridan was instrumental, while David Beharall covered well and full-back Chris Armstrong showed terrific energy at both ends. The goalkeeper and defence, which featured recalled right-back Scott McNiven, got their own on-field pep talks from coach Iain Dowie. Before and after the game, he called them into a huddle to ensure focus was restored. As a unit, Athletic tightened up considerably. They were easily the better side, although something would have been amiss otherwise as Swindon looked every inch a potential relegation battler. The hosts had a virtual monopoly on early possession, but their attempts to make it count foundered on a poor final ball. Only one cross found its target in the game’s first quarter, with Paul Murray heading over at full stretch after linking with Armstrong. Armstrong’s pace on the left looked their best hope, especially when Sheridan drew out the Swindon defence to create space, but there was always a head or boot to clear. The Robins also posed an occasional threat, and both Dominic Foley and Eric Sabin had decent shots from inside the box. Athletic’s first real opening took 27 minutes to arrive, with a David Eyres header forcing Bart Griemink to save well to his left. Smart was lost soon after, carried off following a clash of heads with Matt Heywood as they challenged for a cross. Smart had barely reached the treatment room when Swindon’s Danny Invincible fluffed a great chance by blasting off target from 10 yards. Ironically, however, Athletic’s enforced change paid off on the stroke of half-time as Eyre claimed the first of his double. It stemmed from a corner which was helped on by Lee Duxbury and headed further goalwards from six yards. Eyre’s flick was frantically bundled out, but the linesman ruled it had already crossed the line by a matter of inches. Swindon might have responded after 50 minutes when Armstrong, running backwards with his eye on the ball, barged into Foley. There was no intent but penalties have been given for less. By the same token, Athletic missed an absolute sitter – Reeves had the freedom of Boundary Park after strolling clean through, only to shoot straight into Griemink’s chest from 10 yards. Defender Stuart Balmer was denied from outside the box, while Griemink was again a key figure when Murray burst through to shoot. But Athletic were starting to live on their nerves and Andy Gurney went close after the referee inadvertently began Swindon’s best move of the night. The home side needed a soother, which they found with a clever breakaway nine minutes from time. In true Manchester United tradition, Rachubka earned an assist by using his throw as an attacking weapon. And when Eyres made ground before floating a cross to the far post, Eyre steamed in to head home from close range and notch his sixth goal of the season. 
 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 BANG

We spoke to Paul Caton this morning to get the information about Allan Smart who was stretchered off last night before half time, with what looked like a horrendous head injury. Paul told the Official website "We took Smarty off to hospital last night where he received an x-ray, which revealed no serious damage.  He was allowed home last night and will probably wake up with a headache this morning".

Mick's Relief

Three points was the main thing last night and Mick Wadsworth was relieved to have picked up those points as he spoke about the game. "Yeh, they were much needed, we had a bad week last week.  When you are forming a team, you have to accept some blips on the way.  The one most important thing was how solid we were at the back, the back four looked tight again and played very well.  It gives you a springboard to victory and even though the second goal was a long time in coming, it was worth it in the end because it was a super counter attacking goal.  We should have killed them off in the first half because there were some great balls put into the box, Armstrong and McNiven delivered some great crosses". How serious was the injury to Allan Smart?
"We don't know yet, he is being assessed as we speak.  The other down side on top of that was Reevesie's played the whole second half with a swollen ankle from the challenge in the first minute.  If that's not a booking in terms of referee's getting on top of the game, he was clattered from behind and he's played with a very swollen ankle for the whole game and how he's got through God only knows, I have had him before so I know what he's like". We're you pleased with the performance?
"Yes, very good, we passed the ball well and controlled the ball well and made good driving runs from Murray and Duxbury, both could have scored.  The hold up play wasn't as good as it should be but we caused them more problems than they caused us and it was a good solid performance". Rachubka's throw was excellent for the second goal, How pleased we're you with that?
"Yes, he's a bright goalkeeper, he does look to play early if you see him, whenever he gets possession he does look to use it.  It's a terrific weapon that he has and he is very intelligent in the way he uses it". Lets hope the bandwagon keeps rolling on now?
"Yes, hopefully we've had a good run and then a poor week last week. The really hurting one was the league defeat last week, Cup games are won and lost quite easily but the league defeat hurt us a lot, it stung us.  It hurt the players and I am pleased about that because I want them to be like that and they have responded well. Defender Leaves

Another Latics defender has left the Club after having his contract cancelled by mutual agreement.  Barry Prenderville who has not played since coming off injured against Brighton on October 20th.  He damaged his thigh ligaments that afternoon and has found no way back into the side since the arrival of Beharall and Baudet, who have forced him down the pecking order. Prenderville is returning to the Republic of Ireland where he is confident of finding a club to play for. Latics Look After Shaun

Latics will make sure that defender Shaun Garnett does not lose out financially following his cruciate ligament operation, which took place on Monday just five months before his contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Alan Hardy, the Latics Chief Executive said "Shaun has been a wonderful servant for the club and has a terrific attitude, in fact he is a marvellous character to have around the place.  Although legally, the Club had no obligation to Shaun at the end of his contract, morally we needed to take a close look at his situation and after Mick Wadsworth and myself consulted the Chairman, I am delighted to confirm that Shaun will be given a 12 month extension to his current contract". This extension will allow Shaun to continue his rehabilitation at Boundary Park and hopefully return to full fitness well before the end of this year.  With the determination and attitude displayed by Shaun in recovering from his last injury and the surgeon's report following the operation, there is no reason why the likeable defender cannot make a full recovery and continue to play league football. 

 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Players earn praise from boss 
Mick Wadsworth says the solid Latics defence was the "springboard for victory" last night as the team ended their bad run by beating Swindon 2-0. John Eyre, who came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Allan Smart, grabbed goals in the 45th and 80th minutes to take his tally for the season to six and move The Latics into seventh spot in Division Two. Oldham are now just one point behind QPR and nine points away from an automatic spot, and a delighted Wadsworth hailed his side for the way they responded to consecutive defeats against Cheltenham in the FA Cup, Blackpool in the LDV Vans Trophy and Chesterfield in the league. He said: "Lots of teams go out in cup competitions - only two can make it to the finals. The players were naturally disappointed but I can live with that. "It was the Chesterfield result which hurt and they know it. That really stung us but the lads have responded well and full credit to them. I am pleased about that." The Latics were always on top against Swindon, and Wadsworth added: "We were solid and tight at the back - that always gives you a springboard for victory. "We created a lot of chances in the second half and, although our second goal took a long time coming, it was well worth the wait because it was a superb breakaway. "We controlled the ball well and made some driving runs from midfield through Lee Duxbury and Paul Murray. "It was a good, hard-working performance and our hold-up play was as good as it should be. Hopefully, it will get us back on track after that bad week."

Duo doubtful for Wrexham clash 
Allan Smart and David Reeves are both doubtful for this weekend's clash with Wrexham after picking up knocks in last night's win over Swindon. Smart, a £225,000 buy from Watford, had to be stretchered off in the 34th minutes after a clash of heads while Reeves, who had scored three goals in four previous games, got a nasty knock on his ankle in the first minute and was forced to play through the pain barrier. Mick Wadsworth said: "It has swollen up badly and I don't know how he managed to finish the game, but that is the sort of man he is. "It was a bad tackle and their player wasn't even booked despite the fact that David was absolutely clattered." If Reeves and Smart fail fitness tests it will leave the door open for a starting spot for two-goal hero John Eyre, with Matthew Tipton and Craig Dudley also fighting for a place. Carlo Corazzin has now resumed full training following his double hernia operation but he needs match action before he can be considered.

Prenderville shown exit door The club have announced that Barry Prenderville has left Oldham and returned to Ireland after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The defender has made 12 appearances for the first-team this season, but has not played since picking up thigh ligament damage in the 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Withdean Stadium on October 20.

Wadsworth eyes Appleby swoop Mick Wadsworth looks set to make a permanent move for Barnsley midfielder Matt Appleby after the star impressed on loan. The 29-year-old has done well in training and showed some neat touches after coming on as a late substitute in last night's 2-0 win over Swindon. Appleby, who is out of favour at Oakwell, is due to stay at Boundary Park on loan for a month but the boss is hoping that he can tie up a permanent switch for the versatile former Newcastle player, who can also slot into the middle of defence and at right back. Wadsworth said: "He is a very talented player, just the sort we need to improve our squad." Boss blasts players after Latics defeat 
Andy King was fuming after watching Swindon's 2-0 defeat at Oldham last night and said he would gladly bring in new faces if he had the money. Town slumped to their second successive defeat under the management of re-appointed King and are now just five points clear of the relegation places. And the former Mansfield boss warned his side they must start sorting things out quickly if they are to avoid another grim relegation battle. King said: "I thought we were awful and I have bluntly said that to the players. "I had a dream when I came back that there was a real chance to achieve something this season, but the reality is we could easily get drawn into another scrap at the bottom. "We have to make sure that that does not happen." King would not criticise individuals but attacked his players for being careless on set-piece plays. He said: "In the four games I have been back I think the other team has had a break away and scored from one of our free-kicks or corners and I find that hard to believe - it is just indiscipline." King added: "It's time to go back to basics and people are going to have to start doing things my way."

Edwards demolishes ClaretsCarlos Edwards could be in contention for Saturday's clash with Oldham after his sparkling display in the reserves' 7-1 victory over Burnley. As Denis Smith was laid up at home ill yesterday, he may now face a further headache over the selection of the team to face The Latics at Boundary Park. The reserve team put in a stunning display to demolish a high-flying Burnley side 7-1 last night and at the hub of all the action was Trinidad international Edwards. The young striker was on the scoresheet again and is now looking to force his was into Paul Brush's squad on a regular basis, and with performances like this, it should only be a matter of time. 

 Swindon Evening Advertiser (www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk) Where's the passion?Andy King promised a feast of attacking football at Boundary Park before kick-off - he must have been bluffing! Paul Rachubka,, in the Oldham goal, had just three saves to make all evening - each no more than catching practice. If this was King's idea of attacking football, Town could be in trouble. The Latics were worthy 2-0 winners at the County Ground back in August. Swindon's performance that day was dismal and last night’s display was every bit as insipid. Oldham deserved nothing less than three points. Oldham are by no means a great side, and they will be fortunate to make the play-offs come May but it was the hosts who produced all the early running and verve going forward. Town gave their rivals the freedom of a plush Boundary Park pitch and Mick Wadsworth's outfit certainly made the most of it. Oldham wide-men Chris Armstrong and Scott McNiven gave Town a torrid time. Armstrong, in particular, looked a class act. In fact, the 19-year-old wing-back - a recent £200,000 signing from Bury - took David Duke apart - leaving him all too often in no-man's land. The Scot's positioning throughout was awful and Armstrong was given an open invitation to pepper Swindon's box with quality deliveries. Only Bart Griemink's alert handling prevented an aerial field day for the Oldham forwards. Indeed, Griemink was Town's only shining light all night. The big Dutchman - playing despite a back strain which almost ruled him out of the match - saved his side from a potential drubbing thanks to a string of superb saves. Town were second best in every department but it was in the midfield engine-room where the gulf in quality really told. Latics veteran John Sheridan has just turned 38-years-old, but Bobby Howe, Paul McAreavey and Steve Robinson couldn't get near him. Paul Murray and Lee Duxbury also over-ran a lightweight Robins' midfield trio with alarming regularity. The writing was on the wall within the first two minutes. McNiven was given time to whip in a precise right-wing cross that Griemink did well to hold. Moments later, Armstrong cut inside Duke and delivered a fine ball to the back post which McAreavey managed to usher to safety. Another teaser from Armstrong was met by David Eyres on 16 minutes, and his header drifted inches over. Town could only carve some sporadic half-chances. Foley's angled strike after good work from Sabin flew straight into the arms Rachubka. The Frenchman then had a sight of goal, but could only hit the side netting after leaving his marker for dead. Danny Invincible squandered Town’s best chance of the evening. Sabin again beat his man and squared to the Aussie who's first-time shot flew over the bar from 12 yards. Griemink pulled off the first of three top-class saves on 28 minutes. McNiven was again given time to send over a pin-point cross, and Eyres' downward header looked goal-bound all the way until Griemink stooped to palm the ball to safety. With 33 minutes gone, Latics’ forward Allan Smart attempted to connect with a lofted Sheridan through ball, but only managed to clash with Matt Heywood. Smart - who had proved something of a handful in the early exchanges ­ was withdrawn following the collision, and the Town rearguard were probably pleased to see the back of him. Unfortunately his replacement, John Eyre, only proceeded to shoot down the visitors. Within seven minutes Eyre headed Oldham in front. David Eyres' left-wing corner looked set to drift behind the soon-to-be super-sub, but Eyre adjusted well and planted a low header beyond the reach of Griemink. Andy Gurney did his best to clear the effort, but the ball had already crossed the line. With first-half stoppage time looming, it was the worst possible time for Town to concede. King re-shuffled his pack at the break. No subs were introduced, but Danny Invincible - who neglected his defensive duties as a first-half wing-back - was pushed up front to form a three-man forward line with Sabin and Foley. The switch left Town playing a somewhat unbalanced 3-4-3 formation. King’s troops did produce a marginally better second-half showing - although Rachubka’s goal was rarely threatened. In fact, forwards - Sabin and Invincible in particular - were often forced to drop too deep in search of the ball. The lack of service from the middle of the park was alarming. Town's only decent second-half opening came within three minutes of the restart. Gurney's woefully mis-hit shot was collected by Invincible who crossed to Foley. The Irishman met the ball at a difficult height but could only manage to volley harmlessly over from eight yards. Oldham were soon dictating play again though, and David Reeves had a great chance to get the better of twin brother Alan on the hour. Sabin was tackled just inside the Oldham half, and the ball ricocheted to Reeves who left his flat-footed sibling for dead.  After an unopposed 40-yard run, the striker - who scored against Town for Chesterfield in September - had time to pick his spot. But Griemink came to the rescue once more - standing tall and pulling off another smart stop to keep Town in it. Swindon's shot-stopper produced an equally brilliant stop from Stuart Balmer three minutes later. The Swindon defence failed to clear another Armstrong cross and Balmer's searing low volley was heading for the corner before a full-length Griemink tipped the ball away. Griemink though, was powerless to prevent the killer-second goal ­ a classic counter from the Latics. Town won a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Gurney's poor delivery was easily picked up by Rachubka.  The former Manchester United youngster intelligently found Eyres with his long throw and he ran clear down the left before lofting a high cross to an unmarked Eyre. He clinically headed home his second at the back-post to secure a deserved home win. The defeat leaves King's boys languishing in 18th in Division Two and on this performance if things don't pick up soon, Town could well be sucked into another relegation dog-fight.
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.