Latics vs. Salford City

Sky Bet League Two - Matchday 44

22 April 2022

Latics host Salford City tomorrow for a crucial clash in Sky Bet League Two (3pm KO) as the season nears completion.

Last time out, John Sheridan was left bitterly frustrated as he witnessed his side taste defeat in Nailsworth against Forest Green Rovers.

Goals from Regan Hendry and Jamille Matt secured the three points whilst Christopher Missilou missed a penalty late on for the visitors.

Form Guide

Club News

22042022 Boundary Bulletin Salford City

22 April 2022

After returning from injury, Ian Henderson became the hero for the Ammies after he fired in a last-minute equaliser against Barrow AFC on Monday. It could prove to be a vital point as they continue their hunt for a playoff spot at the end of the season.

Gary Bowyer's outfit remains in fine form with only two defeats in their past 15 league matches, Salford's last victory arrived on home turf against Harrogate Town, and former Latics loanee, Matt Smith, received the plaudits for a match-winning brace in Greater Manchester.

Recently, the Ammies proved their character in order to be victorious on the road as they overcame Hartlepool United at the Suit Direct Stadium which included a stunning long-range strike from another former Oldham man in Jason Lowe.

The Ammies’ Last Six:

Salford City 2-2 Barrow AFC
Bristol Rovers 1-0 Salford City
Salford City 2-0 Harrogate Town
Salford City 0-1 Port Vale
Hartlepool United 0-2 Salford City
Salford City 2-1 Crawley Town

Head-to-Head

Meetings: Six

Salford City wins: Three
Latics wins: Two
Draws: One

Scored - Five
Conceded - Ten

Latics have already beaten the Ammies in the Papa John's Trophy this season courtesy of Carl Piergianni's fierce header in front of the Chaddy End to confirm a 1-0 scoreline. Benny Couto made his debut in the blue of Oldham on that occasion.

In terms of the last league meeting, Salford picked up three points at the Peninsula Stadium with the Latics supporters buoyed on by a sold-out away end. Matty Lund and Brandon Thomas-Asante were on the scoresheet as they secured a straightforward 2-0 win.

The 'boys in blue' were also victorious at Boundary Park in January 2021.

A dominant first-half display by Richie Wellens' outfit rounded off by Ian Henderson's strike separated the sides at the break, however, Dylan Bahamboula managed to equalise after the interval before Davis Keillor-Dunn thundered a long-range effort into the corner in the 92^ndminute.

Familiar Face & Key Man

Oldham fans will have fond memories of Matt Smith, and he's been a revelation for the Ammies, so far.

Matt Smith.jpeg

After thoroughly impressing in the non-league circuit, Paul Dickov secured the Target Man's services for Latics from Solihull Moors in May 2011.

Truthfully, it took a while for Smith to settle at the club, however, he absolutely thrived in his second season which was exemplified by his iconic and remarkable Emirates FA Cup performances and goals against Liverpool and Everton.

A move to Leeds United followed, and the frontman established himself in the side at Elland Road before he enjoyed stints at Fulham, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers and Millwall.

To add to this, Salford also possesses several other former Oldham players which are Conor McAleny, Matty Lund, Jason Lowe and Theo Vassell.

In The Dugout

Gary Bowyer is currently in charge of the Ammies.

Gary Bowyer.jpg

The Manchester-born gaffer has been in post since March 2021 after the unexpected departure of Richie Wellens.

Following a brief playing career, Bowyer began his career in the dugout at Blackburn Rovers with two spells as a caretaker before being given the job permanently.

Bowyer produced an incredible promotion to Sky Bet League One against all odds during his tenure at Blackpool which lasted just over two years.

Although, he had an unsuccessful time at Bradford City prior to his time at Salford, but relished his opportunity to develop young talent at Derby County as he operated in a coaching role for their U23s.

Match Officials

The official in the middle for the game is Robert Madley.

Robert Madley.jpg

Madley last officiated a Latics game in October 2021 for our 3-0 win against Stevenage at Boundary Park. On that day, he handed out two yellow cards and zero red cards.

He's taken charge of 35 games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 119 yellow cards and six red cards.

Madley will be assisted by Christopher Ward and Steve Rushton, with Richard Bartlett as the Fourth Official.

Sky Bet Odds

The Ammies are the bookmakers’ favourites for the match, priced at 1/1.

Latics are 15/2 to win whilst a draw is 12/5.

Please gamble responsibly by clicking here. For more information visit: www.begambleaware.org

How To Follow The Game

Commercial

22042022 Golden Goal Salford City

23 April 2022

Live commentary is available on iFollow Latics with Roy Butterworth and Michael Brown who will be talking you through the match action.

Unfortunately, an iFollow match pass stream isn't available in the UK due to the 3pm blackout from broadcasters.

For more information, visit the iFollow Latics page by clicking here.

Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC.

Match Reports

Latics 1-2 Salford City

23 April 2022

Latics were defeated by Salford City, and it will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the supporters as it confirmed relegation from Sky Bet League Two.

Early into the encounter, Matt Smith broke the deadlock before Davis Keillor-Dunn got his side level from the penalty spot which provided a sense of belief.

However, Brandon Thomas-Asante headed the Ammies back into the lead again late into the first-half which proved to be the winner after the match was temporarily abandoned.

As time was running out for the ‘boys in blue’, Shez opted for four changes from our defeat against Forest Green Rovers on Easter Monday. Nicky Adams, Junior Luamba, Hallam Hope and Kyle Jameson returned to the team, and there were no illusions surrounding the instant impact required to give the fans a glimmer of hope.

The hosts offered an initial spark to the game as Hope produced fine work on the left-hand side before he picked out Luamba with a pinpoint cross, but the onrushing youngster steered his header wide of the target.

Smith, well-known for his Emirates FA Cup heroics on this turf, dealt his former employer a wounding blow in the eighth minute of his first return to Oldham. Thomas-Asante, who enjoys playing against Latics, exploited space behind the defence which was gifted by Jameson before his low effort cannoned off the far post into the path of his strike partner, and he flicked into an empty goal.

Just moments later, Ashley Hunter could’ve, and probably should’ve, added a second for his side as Danny Rogers pushed Thomas-Asante’s volley towards the winger inside the box, but with the goal at his mercy, he sliced his attempt over the crossbar.

After Keillor-Dunn raced towards the 18-yard-box, the attacker fired a shot on goal which was handled by a defender with the referee instantly pointing to the spot. Latics’ leading goalscorer stepped up, and although the ‘keeper was equal to it, the ball was pushed over the line to give Shez’s outfit a lifeline.

A promising prospect, Luamba found himself one-on-one with Tom King, however, the striker was denied by the ‘keeper as he hurried out of position to turn his effort away from the target.

Somehow, the home side didn't score as Hope was handed a golden opportunity before the interval. King parried Keillor-Dunn’s blasted strike over his own head towards Hope, and from a yard out, the Barbados international flicked his header onto the crossbar to the disbelief of everyone inside the stadium.

In the first-half added time, the Ammies were celebrating once again as Thomas-Asante made five goals against Latics since our first-ever meeting with the visitors. A former Latics trialist, Ibou Touray floated a cross onto the head of the lightning-fast forward, and it looped over Rogers into the back of the net.

Looking to atone for his error, Hope strived to get himself on the scoresheet which nearly became a reality when he cut inside and curled an effort towards the far bottom corner, but the shot-stopper managed to parry away the attempt.

With results going against Latics, they had the ball in the back of the net as Hope bundled it in, however, the referee adjusted him to have handled it over the line, so it was disallowed as time continued to run out.

Adams illustrated a bit of quality when he slotted Keillor-Dunn clean through on goal, but he flicked his attempt straight at King.

After fans invaded the pitch, the game was initially abandoned before it was restarted behind closed doors around 6:30pm with no supporters inside the ground.

The only moment of note in this added time was when Luamba sweetly struck a volley from the edge of the area which had the goalkeeper beaten, but it didn’t dip enough to find the top corner. With results elsewhere, Oldham could not afford to lose, but unfortunately, they couldn't snatch a late equaliser.

A sense of anger, disappointment and sadness were the common feelings around the ground as Latics were heartbreakingly relegated from Sky Bet League Two. A very, very sad day for the football club.

Oldham Athletic XI – Rogers (GK), Clarke, Hart, Adams, Whelan (Vaughan 74’), Hope (Couto 89’), Keillor-Dunn, Jameson, Stobbs (Hopcutt 68’), Missilou, Luamba.

Unused Subs: Leutwiler (GK), Da Silva, Hunt, Sutton.

Goal: Keillor-Dunn 33’

Salford City XI – King (GK), Touray, Lowe ©, Watson, Lund (Love 49’), Hunter (Bolton 66’), Turnbull, Kelly, Smith, Thomas-Asante (Henderson 84’), Vassell.

Unused Subs: Torrance (GK), Ndaba, Burgess, Shephard.

Goals: Smith 8’, Asante-Thomas 45+3’

Attendance: 5,752 (554 away)

Referee – Robert Madley