Sheridan’s back with a bang at the Latics
JOHN Sheridan hailed his side’s fighting qualities as the battle of the new managers went his and Oldham’s way.
Josh Law’s 39thminute free-kick was the difference between the sides in a tight and tense contest at Boundary Park.
Only in charge for a day at the club he left for Notts County seven months ago, Sheridan’s return was hailed by relieved home fans at the final whistle following a first victory in 12 league outings.
“The result was the most important thing and the three points,” said Sheridan, now in his fifth spell as Oldham boss including two as caretaker.
“Credit to the players. It is always difficult when you are down at the bottom and haven’t won or scored for a long time.
“I only came in on Friday, so they will get used to me and how I want to play.
“There was a lot of endeavour and desire to get over the line.
“People were telling me Josh Law has that in his locker and he strikes a lovely ball. It is very important to have that in your team.
“We will have three or four players in next week to make us stronger.”
Law shaped his decisive free-kick over the Gillingham wall from just outside the area, beating Stuart Nelson’s dive to his left. Oldham goalkeeper Connor Ripley had to be alert to keep out an overhead kick from Gills skipper Max Ehmer, after Ryan Jackson’s long throw had caused confusion in the home box two minutes before the interval.
Lee Erwin forced Nelson into another save just before the hour mark, and soon after Law’s rasping free-kick from 30 yards forced the goalkeeper to tip the ball over.
Gillingham pressed and came closest to levelling with a Bradley Dack free-kick, which drifted just wide from 30 yards out, while Law struck the top of the bar in added time.
“The first half was not good enough,” said new Gills manager Ady Pennock. “It was unbelievably poor. The second half was better, but it couldn’t have been any worse.
“It was like Oldham had men on the pitch and we didn’t. This is a difficult place to come and you have to roll your sleeves up.
“We have to work hard, with 20 games to go and hopefully this won’t happen again because we have tough matches coming up.
“We did make a couple of chances in the first half and their goalkeeper made one or two good saves. But we have got to create more from open play. I am not going to hide away from it because I’m a supporter here as well.”