Richie’s fake news earns vital victory
FAKE news helped to propel Oldham to victory at Portsmouth.
Interim boss Richie Wellens picked up a second straight win in charge thanks to two goals from redhot front man Eoin Doyle.
But the striker – who also netted twice in the Peterborough victory in midweek – was not even down to play at Fratton Park.
Wellens told the media at his prematch press conference that the onloan Preston man had suffered a muscle injury and would not feature.
But in the sort of mind games that Wellens’ former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would have been proud of, Doyle was actually always fit and ready to play.
“I watched Portsmouth’s video and I didn’t want them to change their system and to play with four at the back,” said Wellens, whose side have shot out of the bottom-four to sit 18th.
“I felt that if they did that, Eoin Doyle and Craig Davies would torture them – and they did.”
Oldham were irresistible at times in the first half, with Jack Byrne pulling the strings and the front two running rings around Pompey’s over-run defence.
Brett Pitman’s late strike ensured a tense finish, but in front of prospective investor Abdallah Lemsagam this was a stylish win that can only enhance Wellens’ claim to the top job.
ROCHDALE had to settle for a point as they were held to a 0-0 draw at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
The two teams couldn’t be separated at Kingsmeadow, but Dale boss Keith Hill was pleased with what he saw.
“Defensively we were brilliant. We defended crosses into the box and direct balls superbly,” he said.
“We have to show more composure on regains as we’re a passing side and I don’t think we’ve utilised our skills going forward, but you can see the desire in the players to try and keep clean sheets.
“They’ve managed to do that again, so I think it’s a positive point away from home again.”
BURY suffered a 2-0 loss against MK Dons at the JD Stadium.
Goals from Osman Sow and Ethan Ebanks-Landell either side of half-time condemned the Shakers to defeat, leaving them 20th in the League One table.
WIGAN ATHLETIC picked up a 2-0 win against Walsall at the DW Stadium to stay in second place.
Will Grigg scored twice to help earn his side the win, much to the delight of manager Paul Cook.
“It was a very hard-fought win for us. I thought Walsall were excellent and posed a threat throughout the game,” he said.
“We’re really pleased with three points because we looked leggy.”
In the Championship, BOLTON WANDERERS’ woes continue as they lost 1-0 at Aston Villa.
Bottom of the table Bolton are now seven points from safety after winning none of their opening 11 games.