Happy Returns for Dickov in second round of FA Cup.
Oldham Athletic - 0
Doncaster Rovers- 1 (Elokobi O.G, 86)
Sports Direct.com Park, Oldham
Saturday 6th December 2014
FA Cup Round 2
A late comedy goal was enough for Paul Dickov to snatch a win on his first return to his former club in the FA Cup 2nd Round.
Rovers, unchanged from Tuesday night, made a bright start straight from the off. Curtis Main had an early chance from the penalty area but his deflected shot went over the bar.
A few minutes later Rovers earned themselves a corner. Richie Wellens played it short to start a well worked training ground move but a tame shot from Kyle Bennett ended the attack as it floated straight into the hands of Paddy Kenny.
The away side kept up the pressure with a great shot from Reece Wabara. The full-back cut inside and unleashed a fizzing effort with his left foot only for Kenny to deny Rovers once more.
Despite the bright start, Oldham weren’t without their chances. In the 16th minute, a poor back pass from Andy Butler presented Daniel Philliskirk with a chance, however Sam Johnstone was alert to smother the ball at his feet.
Two minutes later, Rovers were back at the right end of the pitch. Main delivered a lovely cross from the left-hand side, Theo Robinson latched onto the end of it but was denied by some brave goalkeeping from Kenny.
The tempo of the match died off after the first 20 minutes and it wasn’t until the 32nd minute before Rovers had their next chance.
A lobbed ball found Wellens unmarked in the area, he played a one-two with Robinson but his low shot was saved.
Arguably the best chance of the half fell to Oldham in the 37th minute. Forte latched onto a through ball but was denied by Johnstone. The rebound was picked up by Jabo Ibehre who turned into space but managed to blast his shot over from 6 yards.
This sparked Rovers into life. A speedy counter-attack allowed Bennett to cross to James Coppinger who laid the ball off to Wellens. Unfortunately the midfielder skied it against his former side.
Forte had the final chance of the half but could only blast it wide.
Half-time Oldham 0 Rovers 0
Oldham started the half positively but had to wait until the 54th minute for their first real chance. A lovely delivery from Johnson from a free kick on the left found Elokobi unmarked but he headed over the bar.
There was a rare clear-cut chance for Oldham in the 66th minute after a poor clearance from Johnstone on his weaker foot allowed the Latics a shot but the Man United loanee recovered well, palming the shot out for a corner.
Forte found space on the wing in the 71st minute but his shot was poor and could only hit the side netting.
The Rovers defence were limiting Oldham to any real chances and they appeared to become desperate. In the 71st minute a strike from Forte found the side netting and Liam Kelly blazed one over the bar.
The final 5 minutes were a different story and a frantic finish ensued.
Arguably against the run of play Rovers stole the victory in the 86th minute. A great run on the left from Enda Stevens opened up space for the left-back to cross hard and low into the box. This caused all sorts of problems for Kenny who could only parry the ball into the area. Elokobi tried to make a clearance but blasted it into his own net.
Oldham then hit back in an attempt to force a replay. First Forte tested Johnstone and in the final minute of added time, Kelly attempted the impossible as he attempted to lob the keeper from long range, narrowly missing the top of the bar.
Rovers managed to hold on though and will be hoping for a big draw in Round 3.
Team details –
Oldham: Kenny, Mills, Elokobi, Kelly, Philliskirk, Forte, Johnson, Winchester (Poleon 68), Ibehre, Wilson, Kusunga.
Subs not used: Rachubka, Dieng, Dayton, Poleon, Mellor, Tidser, Morgan-Smith.
Cautions –
Rovers: Johnstone, Wabara, Stevens, Butler, McCullough, Wellens, Keegan, Bennett (Forrester 76), Coppinger (Furman 66), Robinson, Main.
Subs not used: Marosi, McCombe, Wakefield, De Val, J.McKay
Cautions – Coppinger (54) Wabara (80)
Attendance – 3242
Away - 452