Woeful County Admit Defeat

A terrible Oldham side came away from Edgeley Park with a vital three points over an even worse County side, who played most of the match with ten men.

David Poole was brought back into the side, for some reason. Danny Swailes and Paul Huntington continued in defence but it would be that partnership that would be broken early on to gift The Latics the win and leave County’s survival hopes, well…non-existent.

A bright start from The Hatters – following the same pattern it has done for most of the year, starting well and fading – wielded nothing other than a glorious chance for Jabo Ibehre to put us one up, which the big man squandered.

Poole – who, to be fair, was one of our best players last night in a shocking performance – flicked the ball on and a Latics defender hilariously took a wild swipe at the ball. Obviously, he made no connection and Jabo was in, but he fired his shot straight into the impressive Daryl Flahavan’s arms.

Swailes could have given us the lead three minutes later when his free header at goal was cleared straight off the line by Sean Gregan.

And, as usual, the County team faded and we were made to pay, with the goal that has basically sent us merrily on our way to League Two.

Debutant Lewis Guy found himself one on one with Owain fon Williams, and in a carbon copy of Sol Campbell’s challenge on the Hull striker on Saturday, was hauled down by Swailes who was sent on HIS way down the tunnel for an early bath.

Pawel Abbott rolled his penalty to the left of Williams, and despite a strong claw on it from the Welshman, the ball struck the post and found the back of the net.

And from then on, it was absolutely appalling football. From both teams.

Bizarrely, I’ve got to say, Ablett immediately hooked striker George Donnelly for defender Andy Halls. So now, for 75 minutes, we’re defending a one-nil reverse. At home. With one striker.

Poole did have a chance to level it, as sloppy play again from Gregan saw the winger through on goal from a tight angle. His effort flashed past Flahavan’s goal.

That was it really – predictably so, given Ablett’s tactical decision earlier on.

Ibehre had one chance in the second half with our only effort on goal in the 45 minutes. Perkins, who was also a contender for Man Of The Match if you discount the numerous mislaid passes, backheeled to Ibehre in the box, who feinted past Gregan but fizzed his strike straight at Flahavan. Again.

That was that, and it was completely dire from County. Mind-boggling from Ablett, and a poor derby attendance.

Elsewhere last night, Jim Gannon was once again speaking of his uncertainty over remaining at Peterborough with the meddling Barry Fry.

Mr Melrose, our soon-to-be owner…there is one way you could instantly make it all right. And he shares your first name, funnily enough.