Oldham 1 Barnsley 1: Reds denied by the man in black

At an unusually mild Boundary Park where there was even grass not sand on the pitch, only a high wind made conditions a little difficult for the players. A decent 500 plus away following gave the team excellent support as well.

Barnsley lined up with a diamond formation in midfield again while on loan David Murphy moved to left back as Craig Ireland returned as centre back. Mark Stallard returned to partner Danny Nardiello up front.

For the Latics, Darren 'stumpy' Sheridan played in midfield.

After a slow star by Barnsley allowed a lively looking Oldham to create a few decent chances, Hayward went off injured to be replaced by Lumsdon after just 12 minutes.

The Reds gradually started getting on top and Nardiello was at the centre of most of the action. The striker showed his pace to good effect as he went through in the area before a clear trip by Adam Griffin should have been a certain penalty or a yellow card for a dive. Premiership referee Gallagher gave nothing.

Nardiello again appealed for a penalty a few minutes later after a challenge from the Latics keeper but Gallagher was again not impressed.

On loan David Murphy then showed real skill with a surging run from the half way line in which he beat three defenders before reaching the penalty area and shooting just wide.

The Reds were well on top at this stage but given a real fright when good work from the tricky Paul Murray (by far the best Oldham player) put Vernon clear on goal but Marlon Beresford made a great blocking save and then saved the follow up from Chris Killen.

However, the Reds did take the lead in the 34th minute as David Murphy's corner went straight to an unmarked Danny Nardiello and the on-loan Manchester United striker headed home his fifth goal in nine games from just two yards out.

So one up at half time but the Reds were soon made to pay for another slow start after half time when Murray got inbetween two defenders to head past the flat footed Beresford on 52 minutes. Oldham then enjoyed a mad ten minutes on top before the Reds reasserted themselves and generally looked the more likely winners until full time.

Indeed, Oldham seemed happy with a point in the last quarter of the match while the Reds substituted an injured looking Stallard for Burns with 15 minutes remaining.

So, all in all, a decent display by the Reds, Beresford made 2 great saves, Murphy was excellent at left back (fantastic long throw too), Austin tackled well throughout (not convinced the keeper has to throw the ball out to him everytime though) and Nardiello's skill and pace caused numerous problems for Oldham.

Most of our problems were in midfield where the diamond formation looks a bit vulnerable to teams with good wide players. You couldn't knock the effort however and Hart clearly wants to play a passing game. Chris Shuker could just be the spark we need. Lets hope so.