OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, MILLWALL 0
Connor Ripley produced a heroic display during an extraordinary finish to Oldham Athletic’s home goalless draw against FA Cup quarter-finalists Millwall.
Latics’ goalkeeper made two penalty saves at the death – each time to deny Lee Gregory – to ensure his side picked up another point in the battle against relegation.
The drama came at the end of a lukewarm game between Latics, fighting relegation, and promotion hopefuls Millwall.
Referee Carl Boyeson awarded Millwall their first penalty kick after 89 minutes after Brian Wilson was adjudged to have fouled Gregory.
The striker picked himself up but Ripley dived the right way to keep out the spot kick.
Then in the 95th minute, substitute Michael Ngoo was adjudged to have handled a free kick and the visitors were presented with another penalty.
Gregory again took the penalty kick and again, Ripley dived the right way and Latics secured a point and the goalkeeper extended his run of clean sheets in the current campaign to 14 games.
Manager John Sheridan made two changes to his side from last weekend’s goalless draw against Swindon Town. Tope Obadeyi and Paul Green won recalls as Josh Law and Ousmane Fane made way.
With the weather conditions causing havoc in the aftermath of Storm Doris, both sides struggled to get the ball down and play on a pitch that resembled a ploughed field.
In a half which turned into an aerial battle, there were precious few goal attempts from both teams.
Millwall had a great chance midway through the opening half when an aimless cross into the box found the head of unmarked striker Harry Smith, but he headed wide.
Five minutes before half time, Latics had their best chance as Chris Taylor’s cross found the head of Paul Green, but he headed inches over.
Latics were awarded a free kick just before the break, but Taylor’s curled effort was comfortably saved by Tom King.
They started the second half brightly as Tope Obadeyi twice shot narrowly wide.
Latics had to be alert on the hour as substitute Fred Onyedinma weaved his way clear inside the penalty area, but Peter Clarke made a goalline clearance.
However, Latics continued to look dangerous attacking and Ollie Banks saw a shot from 25 yards fly just wide of of the post.
The midfielder had another effort after 73 minutes but Millwall goalkeeper King tipped his effort wide.
Sheridan brought on Ngoo and Ousmane Fane in the final 10 minutes as the game looked to be petering out until the dramatic conclusion that led to Ripley’s double penalty save helping earn another precious point in their battle against relegation.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; McLaughlin, Clarke, Wilson, Hunt; Green, Banks, O’Neill (Fane 79), Taylor; Obadeyi (Flynn 70), Holloway (Ngoo 79). Subs (not used): Law, Edmundson, Croft, Erwin.
Attendance: 3,856 (480 visiting supporters)