BANTAMS FAIL TO FORCE WIN
STUART McCALL was philosophical after Bradford failed to make their superiority count against determined Oldham.
After going behind early to a Peter Clarke header from a setpiece, the hosts fought back and levelled after 57 minutes.
The penalty that brought the equaliser was controversial – there didn’t appear to be much contact as Josh Cullen fell under pressure from Ousmane Fane – but Billy Clarke’s conversion was emphatic.
The unbeaten hosts banged on the door for most of the game but were unable to breach a visiting outfit who are now themselves undefeated in the last four league outings.
“As disappointing as it is to concede from a set-piece, the response was pleasing and they didn’t panic or try to go long,” said McCall.
“Some of the football was terrific but we didn’t put the ball in from open play. They put blocks in and defended really deep as we knew they would do.
“We take a point while having a central midfielder playing at right-back and a central midfielder playing centre-back.
“All in all, I was really pleased with the performance. In the second half we probably didn’t get enough men in the box. That is my only criticism.
“They played with maturity and a good tempo. All we can ask for is the same again and it will come.”
Clarke headed Oldham in front when rising at the far post to head Marc Klok’s free-kick from the right back across rooted goalkeeper Colin Doyle.
A frantic opening continued as Timothee Dieng twice fired narrowly wide for Bradford, with home dangerman Mark Marshall brought a brilliant flying save from Connor Ripley with a 20-yard drive.
Billy Mckay couldn’t believe he didn’t get a penalty when he appeared to be fouled by Romain Vincelot – referee Ross Joyce was unmoved – and Cullen and Billy Clarke both went close for the hosts.
Marshall fired a volley too close to Ripley after the break and after Billy Clarke’s penalty, James Meredith forced another superb save from the busy goalkeeper.
Bradford pushed hard but came closest in added time when Marshall fired narrowly over from 25 yards out.
“It is a great point away from home,” said Oldham boss Robinson. “This is a big club in this division and big spenders. They are the best team we have played with some really good, technical players and with a hostile crowd who had a big influence on the team as well.
“It is a terrific point and we are a little disappointed not to come away with three. That’s not on the balance of play, but in terms of us not looking like we were going to concede as we were so solid.
“Referees have the hardest job, but the key decisions went against us. The penalty he did give, I will leave it to others or I will get in trouble.”