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    23rd January 2002 
The logo's are used with the permission of Oldham Athletic Football Club
 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Wadsworth fires upbeat message after defeat MICK WADSWORTH hammered out an upbeat message last night after suffering a blow to his play-off hopes. Athletic lost a five-goal thriller at Port Vale, but their manager was optimistic about the club’s future. Wadsworth’s team almost pulled off a superb comeback, only for a sloppy goal to give Vale their 3-2 victory. Athletic dropped one place to eighth in division two and need to make amends at home to Bournemouth on Saturday. Wadsworth said: “We played some exceptional football so, in terms of knowing where this team can go, I’m still relatively happy. “It would be more worrying if I felt the need to rip into the players, but there was a lot of room for encouragement. “We scored two good goals and hit the post. It just didn’t go for us when we could have got our noses in front. “Then we defended badly for Port Vale’s third goal and it was a very disappointing way to lose. “Having done so well to get back in the second half, the players know they let themselves down on the winner. “We had chances to clear the ball and it was A–B–C stuff, straight from Jack and Jill books. “Even Bobby Moore booted it into the stand occasionally – there are times when you have to put your foot through the ball. “Lapses cost us dear because it was their only entry into our box after half-time. But I’m happy with the quality of our play.” Vale boss Brian Horton added: “Oldham play a good system, 4-5-1, which is particularly hard to break down, but we got ourselves two up before sitting back. “It was a fantastic game for everyone apart from managers. They are talking about having those things checking your heart – I don’t know what mine would have been like.” Matty Appleby scored Athletic’s first goal and indications are that he will be asked to make his loan move permanent. He is available on a free transfer from Barnsley. Significantly, Appleby played in John Sheridan’s position last night after the 37-year-old, who had started the last two games, was left out. Wadsworth said: “He has been out injured for quite a long time, so to put in the performance he did was excellent.” The reserves play Manchester United at Altrincham tomorrow night in the Manchester Senior Cup. 
Latics out of luck as Vale snatch victory WITH its biting wind and banks of empty yellow seats, Vale Park wasn’t the most enticing of places last night. Fortunately, the entertainment outdid the setting – and brought a match Athletic simply shouldn’t have lost. They had more of the play, more of the chances, more of the class and, overall, more of the promise to go places. Worryingly for promotion hopes, they also had a vulnerable defence and a weakness for conceding goals at the wrong time. Though Port Vale battled well to hang in under intense pressure, there only looked one possible winner as the second half wore on. There were bags of positives for Athletic. The end result, though, was another away defeat and, in an exceptionally tight division, every setback is potentially crucial. One shouldn’t be too harsh on Mick Wadsworth’s side, who showed the character to draw level from 2-0 down and would have completed a stirring comeback if the luck had been with them. They hit the post when Vale looked ready to surrender, while home ’keeper Mark Goodlad made some excellent saves. Along with Vale’s bright little matchwinner Steve McPhee, Athletic also had the best two players on view in all-action midfielder Paul Murray and the more deep-lying, but equally effective, Matty Appleby. On-loan Appleby – taking over John Sheridan’s job after the veteran was surprisingly rested – opened his scoring account with a long-range cracker, while there was another plus when Carlo Corazzin moved on to seven goals for the season, making it two in two games since injury. Though Vale’s third goal left only 10 minutes to reply, it was their second which came as Athletic’s biggest hammer blow. Arriving right on half-time, it meant the hill they needed to climb had become a mountain. So the visitors threw caution to the wind by eschewing some of the fancy stuff which looked good in the first half but didn’t go anywhere in particular. They picked up the pace of their attacks, pushing the midfield further on, and looked a much more effective side. There is a drawback to such boldness, which is why few teams adopt it from the start, and Athletic fell victim to that classic sucker-punch. As they built up more pressure, one mistake ruined the good work which went before. Their goals-against record – the firm basis of Wadsworth’s early reign – has taken a battering in recent matches. Athletic could have gone ahead within four minutes as Corazzin worked an opening for David Eyres, whose shot deflected wide. The visitors were quickly in a rhythm, perhaps in fear of another ear-bashing after their woeful opening against Wrexham on Saturday. The lapses also started early, with McPhee’s effort being saved after hesitation saw him nip ahead of David Beharall. Athletic were otherwise well on top. But they still fell behind in the 22nd minute. A tremendous strike it was too, Sean McClare lashing a first-time shot across ’keeper Paul Rachubka from outside the area. Vale had maximised a rare chance to threaten, whereas Athletic were falling into the trap of playing one pass too many. It’s never easy to walk the ball into the net, and a more direct approach almost worked for Eyres when he went close from 30 yards. But lively Vale were a growing threat. And McPhee had already missed a chance before they made it 2-0 with Stephen Brooker’s close-range header. Ironically, that was Brooker’s last touch as he was forced off at half-time. And Athletic had more good news three minutes after the restart. The goal they desperately needed came from John Eyre’s square ball, which he laid into Appleby’s path 25 yards out. The midfielder whacked it without breaking stride, sending a thunderbolt of a shot past Goodlad’s flailing arms. Vale lost their composure and, though they had a couple of half-chances, were unsure in defence when Beharall headed over from a corner. After 70 minutes, another setpiece undid them completely. Eyres delivered, Balmer nodded down and Corazzin forced in from close range to make it 2-2. The visitors were rampant, with Scott McNiven’s 30-yarder bringing a terrific save and Lee Duxbury heading the corner which followed against a post. They had at least one more goal in them. Yet Vale, to their huge credit, dragged themselves back from the brink. The winner arrived after Athletic carelessly failed in two attempts to clear a right-wing cross. McPhee pounced smartly on the loose ball and, from just inside the box, hit the game’s third top-class goal. Although Duxbury and Murray kept the home ’keeper busy, Athletic’s bubble had burst in dramatic style. This one was unfortunate, but they can’t afford many more defeats before the season is out. 
 Rivals match reports JKLatics.com (oldhamathletic.rivals.com) Latics Go Down After Spirited Fightback Latics went to Vale Park last night and despite dominating, came away with no points. On the plus side, there was some lovely football and Matt Appleby scored his first for the club. Add to that another for Carlo - that's 2 in 2 and all isn't lost. Carlo and Reeves up front? Sounds tempting.  Latics went down at Vale Park last night, despite being the better of the two sides. Match Report later but in the meantime, read what Nikki Litwinenko had to say about it all. "What can you say? First half they had two chances, we had the majority of play, yet they were 2-0 up. Half time was surreal. Latics fans walking round wondering how on earth we were losing, and by 2-0!!! Rachubka had no chance with either, both good finishes in off the post. Second half we knew we could do it. I said to me ma "Give us £20 if we get back to 2-2", she said "I'll give you £50!". I just knew we'd do it cos of the way we were playing. And what happened?! Latics first to every single ball, running rings round Vale, yards quicker than Vale, and we get to 2-2! It was unbelievable! The atmosphere in the stand and spirit and determination on the pitch was superb. It really was a dream! McNiven hit a 25 yard belter destined for the top corner which the keeper somehow managed to tip out for a corner. Murray had a shot saved. We had corner after corner. Balmer and Carlo hit the same post in the space of seconds. It was all Latics! Yet for some reason you always knew what could, and would, happen. They went down the other end, a scramble occurred in the box, and they prodded in! Gutting! But still back came Latics and we could have equalised. Dux headed at the keeper, Murray had one saved, but you could tell that that was the killer goal and it hurt the players as much as the fans. Latics fans applauded the team off the pitch at the end and "that was the best performance of the season" was heard a few times on the way out. Make no mistake about it, this team is going places. The character we showed in the second half was second to none. When was the last time we came back from 2-0 down? Vale had about 4 chances and they scored 3 goals. Every player played their part and for 35 minutes of the second half it was just like watching Brazil! Everyone worked their socks off. Appleby was very impressive hitting an absolute beauty, Carlo played very well considering his match fitness, and Murray is honestly just different gravy!onevalefan.co.uk (portvale.rivals.com) Quite a few stars on the bench tonight as Port Vale set out to avenge the defeat at Boundary Park four weeks ago. Horton decided to leave Sagi out as he is suspended for the next two games and Burns played so well on Saturday against Notts County. From the start, the visitors looked the sharper team, wanting the ball more. They won their first corner in the 5th minute but it came to nothing. Vale first corner came shortly afterwards and Walsh headed over. The play was scrappy and the game pretty dire for the next 10 minutes or so but then Oldham again attacked and this time shot over. Walsh cleared a Latic corner shortly afterwards. McClare was doing some good work in midfield and was tying up well with McPhee but Vale were running out of ideas, defending too deep, and the crowd had started to get on the players' backs but out of nothing came Port Vale's first goal. 
McClare - 1st Vale goal
After some good work on the right wing between Carragher, Brooker and McPhee, the ball was put across to McClare whose looping drive found the left edge of the net. Port Vale 1-0 Oldham Athletic Vale seemed to take heart from the goal and became more confident. McPhee was battling away at the front but most of the balls to him were too long, Carragher being the main culprit for this. Brooker seemed subdued. A succession of fouls on Vale players went unpunished, including McPhee being tripped on the edge of the box. Mark Goodlad was forced into one of many great saves in the 34th minute when he tipped the ball around his post for a corner. The corner was cleared out but driven back in. Goodlad punched the ball away but again it came back at him but this time he held on well. McPhee went very close on 36 minutes after being put through by Brooker. His shot went inches wide of the right post. The fourth official indicated just one minute of stoppage time and still McPhee was going for everything and forced a throw near the Oldham corner flag. Carragher took a long throw into the box and the ball was cleared out only as far as McPhee on the by-line. He chipped it over the heads of the defence to Brooker on the far post, who nodded the ball into an open net for an easy goal. Port Vale 2-0 Oldham Athletic The referee blew his whistle for half time and the Port Vale players went in two goals up, mostly against the run of play. Half Time: Port Vale 2-0 Oldham Athletic 
Brooker - scored then subbed
Cameroon striker, Simon Atangana, replaced the injured Brooker at half time and looked quite a good prospect, pacey and strong. Although Port Vale had a free kick shortly after the re-start, Oldham Athletic soon got into their stride and in the 48th minute on loan midfielder, Matty Appleby, struck a fantastic 30-yarder which had Goodlad diving helplessly to his right. A superb goal, which was well applauded by Vale fans around me. Port Vale 2-1 Oldham Athletic For the next 5 minutes, Vale applied pressure, not to be outdone in the tense match, but were still defending too deeply - especially as Oldham were playing with just the one man upfront. 54 minutes, and Goodlad made yet another tremendous save after Oldham were let through on goal but still the away side piled on the attacks as for ten minutes the Vale defence withstood the onslaught, with The Latics heading over from corners on 62 and 63 minutes. A brief respite in the 67th minute as McPhee forced a corner but the relief was short-lived as in the 69th minute Oldham won a corner. It was taken quickly and headed over by the Vale defence for a second corner. This found its way to No 19, Carlo Corazzin, whose shot found its way through a crowded penalty area, seeming to take a deflection off Burns on the way into Goodlad's net for the equaliser. Port Vale 2-2 Oldham Athletic This was no more than the visitors deserved, as the young Vale side had seemed to have lost their nerve, and the pressure continued as Oldham kicked straight at Goodlad one minute later and in the 75th minute Goodlad made a terrific save, pushing the ball once again around the post. The corner was taken, and Vale's vulnerability was shown as Oldham's shot hit the post. Bridge-Wilkinson replaced McClare on 77 minutes and received a standing ovation from the Vale crowd. McPhee - winner
Vale's winner came totally out of the blue. McPhee passed out to Armstrong who knocked the ball onto Bridge-Wilkinson. Bridgey's pinpoint accurate pass found the feet of McPhee who drilled into the Oldham net. Port Vale 3-2 Oldham Athletic Oldham continued to push forward, looking for the equaliser, but couldn't find a way through the packed Vale half. Goodlad made another fine save on 84 minutes. On the odd occasion that the ball found its way to Atangana, he held it up well. After a foul on the half way line when Cummins seemed to be in a lot of pain following an elbow in his face, Sagi Burton came on for the last couple of minutes of normal time. Four minutes of added time were played, with Oldham still pushing forward.  In the very last minute of the game, Sagi denied another Latic attack, putting the ball out for a corner. The Vale crowd held their breath as Oldham launched one of their dangerous crosses and then cheered as the ball was cleared and the final whistle blew. Although the Port Vale players could certainly be accused of playing too deeply for most of the match, it's the results that matter- and this was a great win over a good, battling team.
 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 Latics kicked off and within a minute McNiven put in a cross that Murray tried to meet but was foiled by Vale's keeper, Goodlad. The early signs were Latics had intended to continue their good run. Minutes later, Eyres nearly put the visitors one up after Corazzin collected a throw in from Duxbury, shielded the ball well then laid it off to Eyres who, after getting the ball under control, shot just wide of the upright. This was a very bright start. Wadsworth was also encouraged by the start and was delivering instructions from the sidelines. Latics continued to look at ease going forward as this time Appleby was the playmaker and carried the ball some 20 yards, eventually passing to Duxbury, whose shot went narrowly over the bar. Fifteen minutes into the game Vale got their first real chance when there was a slight mix up between Balmer and Rachubka. A Vale striker nipped in but his toe poke went straight into Latics's on loan keeper.  Vale kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a good strike that came out of nothing. McClare received the ball on the edge of Latics box. The defence wasn't quick enough to close the midfielder down and the player hit an excellent shot past a diving Rachubka. Arguably against the run of play Latics were one down just after 20 minutes gone. Vale were growing in confidence but Latics maintained their composure and were playing some good football in spells. The only problem was they couldn't break down a strong home defence. With 35 minutes gone Eyres let one fly from 35 yards out. The ball was travelling hard and low to the bottom right hand corner. Goodlad dived late but somehow managed to parry the ball away. Vale came back. McPhee showed a good bit of skill, 18 yards out when he chested the ball then hit a volley that went past Rachubka's post. Latics were still in the game. With the clock ticking down Latics nearly got the equaliser when a long throw from McNiven found Eyres. However unfortunately for the Latics player by the time the ball had come to settle at his feet he was surrounded by three Vale defenders and his shot was stifled. Then came a killer blow when literally with the last touch of the half Latics were facing a tough second half as they went two down. From a throw in, Vale then crossed the ball, a flick on and Brooker jumped to steer the ball into the top left hand corner giving Rachubka no chance.  Latics faced a mountain to climb in the second half. Latics got the start they wanted. Appleby fired a beauty. Form 20 yards out Latics's latest signing collected the ball from a perfectly weighted pass, pulled the trigger and fired a cracking shot into the roof of the net. Latics were back in the game 2-1. Rachubka was soon called into action to keep the deficit down when a speculative ball over the top found a quick footed Atangana (who had just come on as sub) but Latics keeper proved to be the quicker and punched the ball to safety. The game was opening up. Latics were looking to draw level as quick as possible and Vale trying to restore their two goal lead. This was good end to end stuff. Each time Latics had an attempt at goal Vale came back but neither could find the back of the net. Latics stepped up a gear and won a couple of corners with the second going inches over from a Beharall header. Wadsworth and Dowie were now constantly on their feet urging the players on. Another couple of corners. This time it found the net. An outswinger to Balmer who headed the ball down. Corazzin latched onto the loose ball, swung his right foot, connected and put Latics level in front of an delighted travelling support. Vale looked shaken and struggled to find their first half form. A vocal Latics support were now shouting for a third and it nearly came when McNiven hit a right foot shot that Goodlad tipped around the post for a corner. The resulting set piece saw Duxbury hit the woodwork and Vale scrambled the ball clear. Then again against the run of play Vale went back into the lead when McPhee volleyed a loose ball that sat up nicely for him from eight yards out. Rachubka had little chance. 3-2 to the home side. Back came Latics when Murray fired a fierce shot that Goodlad did well to save.
With less than 10 minutes to go Wadsworth made a double substitution with Tipton on for Eyre and Baudet on for Beharall. A corner came in the dying seconds of time added on but it wasn't to be as the ball was headed clear. Despite all their efforts Latics couldn't bring it level. Their play off hopes had taken a dent but would surely look to put it back on track on Saturday at home to Bournemouth. 
Baudet to Stay

Frenchman Julien Baudet has signed a contract with the club that will keep him here until 2003.  Baudet originally signed a three month contract, but after some impressive first team displays, the Latics were delighted to sign the big Frenchman on a longer deal. Julien told the Official Website "I am enjoying playing my football in England and I am very happy here at Oldham because the coaching staff are excellent.  The atmosphere at the club is wonderful and there is a lot of teasing that takes place, more than in France.  You can never relax here because the teasing is non stop."  Julien continued "I hope that the club can achieve promotion because I am looking to build a career here at the Club". Baudet who recorded the hardest shot in club at the weekend through ITV Digital coverage of the game has added extra defensive cover to the squad since the departures of Futcher and Prenderville.

 Stoke Sentinel (www.portvale.co.uk) Vale find rich vein of goals This game surely confirms Port Vale have decided run-of-the-mill games are a thing of the past. Having lurched from the wonderful to the woeful for much of the season, the Valiants have at last found some consistency with three straight wins, and now four consecutive victories at Vale Park. But while Vale fell below their recent standards in last night’s success, there was no letting up on the entertainment as they and an impressive Oldham outfit produced an absolute belter. Having battled back from two down, Oldham looked likely to claim more than a point for their efforts, but they bargained without a resolute Vale finish, capped by Steve McPhee’s winner 10 minutes from time.  “It was a fantastic game for everyone except the two managers,” agreed Brian Horton. “We’ve heard about managers having heart monitors fitted, well I don’t know what my reading would have been. “We haven’t played anywhere near as well as we did at Notts County, but we won the game. “Oldham looked a good side and credit to them, but the three points are ours.” Oldham arrived on a run of five wins in six games and it was easy to see why they are being tipped to gatecrash the play-off places as they tested Vale to the limit with their neat passing game. But although David Eyres fired narrowly wide after just four minutes, Vale worked hard to deny the visitors space in front of goal and maintained their own threat up front through the link up play of Steve Brooker and McPhee. However, it was midfielder Sean McClare who opened the scoring on 22 minutes. Michael Cummins’ ball into the edge of the area was worked to McClare who gave Oldham ’keeper Paul Rachubka no chance with a sweetly-struck effort which flew into the bottom corner of the net. Oldham rallied, but failed to turn their possession into chances and Vale proved ruthless in front of goal once more as Matt Carragher broke to the bye-line and crossed for Brooker to head home on the stroke of half-time. It took Oldham just three minutes after the re-start to halve the lead as John Eyre squared to Matty Appleby who let fly with a 25-yard effort which surely left a trail of smoke as it rocketed into the back of the net. A groin injury to Brooker had led to the debut of loan signing Simon Atangana at half-time and the Cameroon international impressed with his pace and skill. But while Atangana tested Rachubka with one of a number of efforts, the visitors were pressing hard for an equaliser and Vale had been given plenty of warning by the time the Latics drew level on 70 minutes. David Eyres’ corner was nodded down by John Eyre at the back post and Carlo Corazzin was first to the loose ball as he turned and fired home from close range. Oldham could have gone ahead three minutes later as Scott McNiven’s stinging 25-yard effort was brilliantly turned away by Mark Goodlad. Lee Duxbury headed Eyres’ resulting header against the post before the sighs of relief turned to cheers as Marc Bridge-Wilkinson was introduced for his first home appearance since his five-month injury lay-off. Quality player though he is, it seemed unfair to expect Bridge-Wilkinson to turn the tide of the game. However, his ability and determination played a key role in the winner. Bridge-Wilkinson picked out McPhee in the area and when the ball was cleared, and then returned by Ian Armstrong’s cross, it was Bridge-Wilkinson who somehow leapt above the Oldham defence to head the ball into McPhee’s path. The young Scot needed no further invitation as he crashed the ball past Rachubka to restore Vale’s lead. It took another brilliant save from Goodlad, this time to deny Paul Murray, to preserve the lead before the final whistle signalled a hard-earned win. Oldham fans will argue their side were worthy of a draw, but that would be to ignore Vale’s superior finishing and absolute refusal to accept anything but three points. Oldham have looked the best side Vale have beaten in their recent run of four home wins, although the Latics, Bristol City, Colchester and Brentford are all situated in the top half of the table. Last night’s victory moves Vale up to 13th place and there is no reason why they shouldn’t make further strides up the League. Horton added: “Someone said to me in the dressing room, we would have lost the game a few weeks ago. “But now we have a bit more about us and are a better team and a better squad. “We will just keep going, no one is noticing us at the moment.” Maybe so, but if these results continue word will soon be spreading fast. Atangana’s mission Port Vale loan signing Simon Atangana aims to earn a future in the English game after helping his new side to a thrilling 3-2 win over Oldham at Vale Park last night. Atangana played the final 45 minutes in place of groin-injury victim Steve Brooker and impressed with his pace and skill. The Cameroon international, who is on a month’s loan from Dundee United, is now set to start in Vale’s game at Cambridge on Saturday when Brooker will be suspended. Atangana, who is known as Simon or by his parental name Mvodo, said: “I will try to do my best for the month and if a club is impressed with me I will be happy. “If Port Vale give me an opportunity I will be happy as well. I will try to give my best to make a team interested in me.”
 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Boss sickened at defeat Mick Wadsworth was disappointed The Latics slipped to defeat after a fine comeback at Port Vale but drew some comfort from their performance. And Oldham missed out on a golden opportunity to move into a play-off place when they went down 3-2 to improving Vale. On a night when rivals Brentford were beaten and QPR could only draw at home, Mick Wadsworth's side slumped to only their second defeat in seven games. And instead of moving up to fifth spot, they dropped one place to eighth.
Yet they had shown terrific character to come back from 2-0 down and get back on level terms. The home side looked to won the game with a two-goal half-time lead, but strikes from on-loan Matty Appleby and Canadian international Carlo Corazzin brought Oldham level. The Latics began to have the better of the exchanges but defensive blunders allowed Vale to sneak a winner with 10 minutes to go. Wadsworth said: "It was very disappointing to lose like that. "We had two defenders who should have got a boot to the ball and shifted it. "Even Bobby Moore didn't try to play football all the time - there are occasions when you just need to kick the ball into the stands and clear the danger. "We didn't do that and it cost us." Wadsworth added: "We played some absolutely cracking football and made a fantastic comeback. "Then we go and lose like that. It was a real sickener and all the lads are gutted. I can understand why. "But we have to stay focused and concentrate on Saturday's visit of Bournemouth." The two goals at Vale Park took The Latics' tally for the season to 50 - and that makes them the Second Division''s top scorers for the second time this season. 
Murray's injury worry 
Paul Murray is the latest Latics player on the treatment table after suffering a dead leg in the defeat at Port Vale yesterday. The former England B midfielder played the full 90 minutes at Vale Park but was forced to rest today. But the ex-Carlisle and QPR man is expected to recover in time for Saturday's visit of relegation-threatened Bournemouth. Murray has been ever-present for The Latics since his December arrival from Southampton and yesterday's defeat was only the second in his league career with Oldham. 
Double boost for Cherries clash 
Allan Smart and John Sheridan should be fit to return for The Latics for their home game against Bournemouth on Saturday. The duo were omitted from yesterday's defeat at Vale Park but Mick Wadsworth will welcome back two of his key players as The Latics look to return to winning ways. Former Watford striker Smart has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but it is responding well to treatment. The £225,000 signing, who is still looking for his first league goal for The Latics, could break up yesterday's strike partnership of John Eyre and Carlo Corazzin. Canadian international Corazzin has only just returned from injury himself but was on target against Port Vale. And the veteran Sheridan will resume his role in the centre of midfield. The former Republic of Ireland international was rested from the Port Vale game - three matches in a week are too much for the 37-year-old these days - but will be back to face Bournemouth. 
Latics back Posh fixture complaint 
The Latics have backed Peterborough boss Barry Fry's complaint to the Football League after Posh were forced to play two games within 24 hours. Fry picked a virtual reserve side at Tranmere last night after playing an FA Cup tie against Darlington the previous day and, unsurprisingly after making nine changes, his side lost. The 1-0 win took Dave Watson's side into the top six but The Latics, as fellow play-off contenders, are arguing that Tranmere were given an unfair advantage. But The Latics are not blaming Fry for his decision to select fringe players. Chief executive Alan Hardy said: "It was felt it was bringing into question the integrity of the competition." While Tranmere were facing a weakened Peterborough team, a full-strength Port Vale beat The Latics 3-2.
 Tuesday review from Sporting Life (www.sportinglife.com) ROYALS CROWN JEWELL Reading stretched their lead at the top of Division Two to six points with a 2-0 victory at Wigan on Tuesday night. Paul Jewell's Latics were unbeaten in 12 games but Reading extended their winning run to six matches as first-half goals from Andy Hunter (25) and Nicky Forster (42) earned them the points at the JJB Stadium.Fourth-placed Stoke missed the chance to go second as they lost 2-0 at Cardiff. Bjarni Gudjonsson's 19th-minute own goal and Andy Legg's 71st-minute effort boosted the play-off hopes of Alan Cork's FA Cup battlers in front of 11,700 at Ninian Park.

Fifth-placed QPR's recent run of good form was checked by Bournemouth, who held the west London side to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road. Steve Palmer gave Rangers the lead six minutes before half-time but Warren Feeney got the equaliser five minutes after the break for the visitors, who had Richard Hughes sent off for two yellow cards just before the final whistle.

Tranmere boosted their promotion hopes, Paul Rideout's 14th-minute goal seeing off Peterborough - who beat Darlington in the FA Cup on Monday night - at Prenton Park and moving the Wirral cllub up to sixth in the table.

Huddersfield's Danny Schofield's netted after five and 25 minutes to sink Colchester 2-1 at the McAlpine Stadium, with Alan White's 83rd-minute reply making for a shaky last few minutes for the hosts.

Port Vale won a five-goal thriller with Oldham at Vale Park. Sean McClare (22) and Stephen Brooker (45) put the hosts in charge but Matthew Appleby (48) and Carlo Corazzin (70) replied, only for Stephen McPhee to win it for Vale 10 minutes from time.

At the wrong end of the table, Cambridge and Northampton turned in battling performances to keep their survival hopes alive. At Cambridge Daniel Chillingworth gave the hosts an eighth-minute lead and after their goalkeeper Lionel Perez had been sent off for deliberately handling the ball outside his box, Paul Wanless doubled the advantage a minute into the second half - and they held on for a 2-0 success against Wycombe. The Cobblers had veteran striker Marco Gabbiadini sent off for two bookings seven minutes from time - but Derek Asamoah netted three minutes llater to give them the points at the expense of Brentford, whose promotion challenge is fading.

In the other Division Two match, Danny Invincible's 71st-minute goal moved Swindon further clear of danger at the expense of fourth-bottom Notts County. 
Team P Home Away Pts Goal
Diff
W D L F A W D L F A
Reading  29 9 2 4 24 13 9 2 3 20 11 58 20
Brighton  27 9 2 1 24 11 5 8 2 16 15 52 14
Bristol City  29 8 3 3 23 14 7 3 5 23 17 51 15
Stoke  28 9 3 2 24 8 5 5 4 16 17 50 15
QPR  29 7 6 2 26 14 6 2 6 17 18 47 11
Tranmere  27 8 5 2 32 13 5 2 5 15 21 46 13
Brentford  28 9 3 1 31 9 4 3 8 17 23 45 16
Oldham  29 9 3 2 28 10 3 6 6 22 27 45 13
Huddersfield  28 8 4 3 24 15 4 5 4 18 16 45 11
Cardiff  28 6 6 3 24 19 5 5 3 17 13 44 9
Wycombe  27 8 4 1 25 11 2 5 7 13 24 39 3
Colchester  29 8 2 4 25 17 3 4 8 21 30 39 -1
Port Vale  30 8 3 4 26 17 3 3 9 12 26 39 -5
Wigan  29 4 5 6 21 18 5 5 4 19 17 37 5
Peterborough  27 7 2 3 27 12 3 3 9 10 22 35 3
Swindon  28 6 4 4 16 15 3 4 7 13 22 35 -8
Chesterfield  27 6 1 7 25 24 3 6 4 12 14 34 -1
Blackpool  28 5 7 2 21 19 3 3 8 15 28 34 -11
Bournemouth  28 6 2 5 19 16 1 6 8 13 26 29 -10
Bury  28 4 4 6 14 17 3 2 9 12 29 27 -20
Notts County  28 3 5 5 16 19 3 3 9 19 28 26 -12
Northampton  28 4 2 9 13 24 3 1 9 15 27 24 -23
Wrexham  29 4 4 7 16 23 2 1 11 15 39 23 -31
Cambridge Utd  28 5 6 4 19 21 0 1 12 9 33 22 -26

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