Gerrard wary of threat posed by ex-Latics striker
OLDHAM Athletic centre-back Anthony Gerrard believes keeping his old team-mate James Vaughan quiet will be key in today’s League One local derby with BURY.
The Manchester clubs came into form last month, with the two sides getting out of the relegation zone with both coaches – John Sheridan and Lee Clark – nominated for the manager of the month, despite Millwall’s Neil Harris taking the crown.
Gerrard’s centre-back partner Peter Clarke was also nominated for the February player of the month after the Latics defence kept three clean sheets.
And the 31-year-old believes that the Latics’ defence will be key in keeping out the free-scoring Vaughan, although insists there is little more riding on this game than any other.
He said: “I have known James Vaughan all my life. He is a great lad, great footballer and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He throws his head into any tackle and tackles anything that moves. His injury at Huddersfield suggests how honest he is. He goes into any tackle but if I wanted one striker who would be willing to do the nasty, dirty stuff then it would be him.
“He is in a rich vein of form but hopefully we can keep our defensive record up and stifle him. I know it will be a wholehearted battle but a fair one. We’re in it for three points, there is no more points for a derby. You don’t get four points for a derby game.”
ROCHDALE’s 3-3 draw with tabletoppers Sheffield United wasn’t lacking in entertainment last week – but they have still only won once in 2017.
Dale have dropped from the playoffs to 12th and need a win soon to keep alive any top-six hopes.
Keith Hill’s side travel to Milton Keynes Dons, who have won one of their last six league outings but did take three points from the Crown Oil Arena in August through Scott Wooton’s 96th minute winner.
After four winless games, including two successive home draws, BOLTON WANDERERS face their biggest game of the season in a promotion six-pointer at Fleetwood Town.
Uwe Rosler’s side have taken advantage of Bolton and Scunthorpe’s inconsistency to move into the automatic promotion spots.
And should they lose, the Trotters will fall seven points adrift. However, they will be boosted by the fact that manager Phil Parkinson has never been defeated by Fleetwood in seven meetings.
It could be make or break time for WIGAN ATHLETIC too this weekend as they face 22nd placed Bristol City.
Warren Joyce’s side lost at Blackburn Rovers a week ago but bounced back with a 1-0 win at Birmingham in midweek.
Should they win, Wigan could move from 23rd in the Championship table to 18th depending on other results.