Great victory and deserved in the end. All the sweeter as it came against Oldham as BBTC says, but particularly satisfying as this looks like the best team Oldham have had in a number of years.
They were much the better side in the first half, playing with real energy at a high tempo. With the narrow formation we were playing there was space out wide and they whipped a number of balls into our box. However, we were defensively very solid, both in the centre half positions and in front of them. Oldham did not get through us down the middle, OFW did not have a save to make and crucially we withstood the pressure and got to half time level.
In the second half our midfield got into the game, Koumas got on the ball and we dominated but without creating any chances of note. We were growing in strength but a goalless draw appeared the most likely outcome. Enter Sodje and Lowe. Ryan was very sharp when he came on and won a clever penalty by getting across the keeper, tempting him to clip him, after a great header from Sodje: Akpo has his critics but has won a few crucial headers to create goals already this season. Lowe duly desptached the penalty with what was virtually the last kick of the game to the understandable delight of the Rovers fans.
We looked far more solid today than in any of the previous league games, with all the back four playing well with the exception of Horwood, who was beaten too easily at times. As on Tuesday night, once Koumas got on the ball we dictated the tempo and played some very good football. Goody was brilliant but I would give Ash Taylor man of the match. Honourable mention also goes to Koumas, Rowe and Akpro, although Cole Stockton continued his improvement and it was a good team performance all round.
Onwards and upwards.