Oldham Athletic

Latics took the lead on 10 minutes through a back post header from Danny Philliskirk but 20 minutes later, Matt Done levelled the game.

On the hour mark, Latics were reduced to ten men with Jonathan Burn dismissed for a second bookable offence but Athletic held on to a point as David Dunn continues to search for his first win as manager.

The atmosphere was electric in the build up to the game with the opening of the new stand.

David Dunn brought in Carl Winchester for his first start since the game against Peterborough on September 12. 

Latics had the first opportunity of the game on four minutes but Dominic Poleon’s volley was just off target.

The home side were knocking the ball around with confidence and two minutes later, Lafferty and Jones combined to release Winchester but his strike was deflected over the crossbar.

Athletic took the lead on 10 minutes through forward Philliskirk.

Jones’ corner was flicked on at the front post and it fell to the 24-year-old at the back post and he nodded past Mark Howard to make it 1-0.

The visitors came back into the game with Billy Sharp and Stefan Scougall causing a nuisance in attack.

Latics, however, continued to threaten as Liam Kelly’s direct pass into the box was flicked on by Fulton but Winchester’s strike just went over the crossbar.

On 25 minutes, Jose Baxter’s free kick from 30 yards cleared the ZenOffice Stand roof but five minutes later, the Blades were back in the game.

Done received the ball on the corner of the penalty area and curled an effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper David Cornell with no chance.

Sharp almost put Sheffield United ahead minutes later but the linesman’s flag rescued Oldham Athletic despite the forward hitting the post.

Five minutes before half time, Latics could have regained their lead.

Winchester’s pinpoint cross found the head of Poleon in the centre but Howard pulled off a great save to deny the striker from 10 yards.

The striker had another opportunity on the stroke of half time but Howard again saved to send the scores level at the break.

The Blades started the second half positively and could have taken the lead on 50 minutes however Cornell somehow denied Neil Collins from two yards.

The referee was making himself very unpopular with the home supporters, a trend which would continue throughout the half.

Sheffield United had a perfect opportunity to take the lead on 57 minutes as former Rochdale man Done was through on goal but he slipped it past the far post.

The visitors were really taking the game to Latics and on the hour mark Baxter curled one over the crossbar from 25 yards.

One minute later, however, Burn fouled Adams and after much deliberation, the referee brandished a red card to the Middlesbrough loanee.

That swung the game in Sheffield United’s favour but Latics were holding their own and defending manfully.

Latics brought on Ricardo Fuller for his debut with 20 minutes of the game remaining. 

However, it was Sheffield United who should have taken the lead seconds later but Sharp’s effort from close range missed the target.

That was a let off for Latics and three minutes later, they were again helped by the post as Scougall rifled it from close range as Athletic held on.

The visitors were taking the game to Latics but Dunn brought on Brian Wilson to sure up defence with only 10 minutes of the game remaining. 

Latics worked tirelessly in the final ten minutes of the game and defended in numbers.

They limited Sheffield United to little chances in the final minutes of the game and managed to hold on to a valuable point.