OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, DONCASTER ROVERS 2
Oldham Athletic failed to make headlines on the pitch after a week in which they made the front pages following their controversial and ultimately aborted bid to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.
Returning to action following a fortnight’s lay off, Latics looked set to return to winning ways after a run of four straight defeats when they established a 2-0 lead against Doncaster Rovers at SportsDirect.com Park..
But in a dramatic finish, Latics blew their advantage as Paul Dickov’s Doncaster fought back to snatch an unlikely draw.
When Jabo Ibehre and George Elokobi had put Latics into a comfortable lead early in the second half, they looked set to end a run of four straight losses in style.
But Doncaster capitalised on Latics having left-back Joseph Mills sent off as they produced a late riposte with goals from Nathan Tyson and James Coppinger.
There was a lively start as Jonathan Forte had an early chance for Latics while Doncaster were the more dangerous side as Theo Robinson and Harry Forrester twice went close to breaking the deadlock, Forrester’s second effort crashing against the crossbar.
Latics broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Forte pressurised Andy Butler into a mistake as he released Ibehre who fired past keeper Sam Johnstone.
And buoyed by that goal, Carl Winchester and Brian Wilson had chances to increase the lead before the break.
The second goal came early in the second period when Elokobi burst into the box and his shot was judged to have crossed the line before it was cleared.
Ibehre and Winchester had chances to score a third goal as Latics were in total command at this stage.
Mills was handed a straight red card with 15 minutes left following a two-footed tackle on Reece Wabara.
That was quickly followed by Doncaster halving the deficit in controversial circumstances as they claimed keeper Paul Rachubka was fouled as he went to collect a high ball as Tyson bundled the ball into the back of the net.
Doncaster equalised in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Coppinger cut in and curled a shot low past Rachubka as they snatched the unlikeliest of points.