Into the final stretch of the season, with technically another 6 pointer although have already pointed out that Scunny won't catch us. Latics have appointed a new manager and it will be interesting to see how he copes after yesterday's defeat against Carlisle. They have struggled all season although did hammer us at Boundary Park however that was under some other bloke who used to manage us and now doesn't count. Holmes looks doubtful, so could be a place for Monakana after his 10 minute show yesterday. Unless there is a deluge the pitch will still be crap but we'll cope but will Oldham?
That's that then. Just to stuff Carlisle and look forward to next season. Another clean sheet. Rudd MOM. Hope he stays.
Preston's win over a spirited Oldham Athletic at a chilly Deepdale, ensured League 1 safety for the club last night. In truth this was a scrappy performance, Oldham possibly deserved a point but after dominating the first half they faded badly in the second half. Latucs took the game to the home side forcing a series of early corner which were all whipped in under Rudd's crossbar, North End had some luck but managed to survive the visitors onslaught. The lively Oldham strikers, Barnard, Simpson and Baxter caused the home defence problems, Baxter going close with a shot which might have clipped the post, then forcing Rudd into a fine save to keep the scores level. Only rarely did North End trouble the visitors but it was apparent that Oldham were not the best at the back. Half time came and went, the tempreture dropped and North End finally started to get into the game, King crashing a header against the bar. A Simpson effort for the visitors, went flashing across the face of the goal and that was the last time Oldham really threatened. A double substitution after 69 minutes changed the game, four minutes later North End were awarded a penalty, the first at Deepdale since January 2012, it was possibly a harsh decision but after the many cast iron ones that have been turned down this season, it was just reward. Bouzanis dived to the right Wroe hammered it down the middle. (1-0) North End looked more relaxed following the goal and started to play better although they had to defend the aerial stuff that Oldham had now resorted too. Deep in injury time, North End secured the points, Oldham gained a couple of late corner, all 22 players on the pitch including Latics keeper were in the North End box, the corner was cleared to the edge of the box, North End won the ball, Hayhurst ran 80 yards with the ball and slotted the ball into the unguarded net just as Croft tried to close him down, keeper Bouzanis gasping for breath 60 yards away. Job done Finally the referee, Scott Mathieson had a shocker, how M'voto stayed on the pitch was beyond me, he booked Keane for winning the ball, but then again he seemed to be very friendly with the Oldham players before the game, say no more. Preston North End 2 Oldham Athletic 0 Att 9080
