PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1.
Oldham Athletic took another step towards Sky Bet League One safety after picking up a valuable point at Peterborough United.
Lee Erwin’s early goal gave Latics for an hour before it was wiped out by Junior Morais’ equaliser at the ABAX Stadium.
But with 28 points from his 16 games as manager, John Sheridan is guiding Latics to safety, though it is not a formality with other teams at the foot of the table hitting form.
And the way things are shaping up, Latics will need at least 50 points to stay up – some season clubs stay up in the mid forties.
Manager John Sheridan made one change to the side which beat Oxford United on Tuesday night as Aiden O’Neill replaced the injured Rob Hunt as Latics lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.
Posh had the first chance of the game as Michael Smith was denied by Connor Ripley as the full back’s effort was kept out by the legs of the keeper.
Erwin had Latics’ first opening, but his 25-yard drive flew wide of Mark Tyler’s goal.
Latics went ahead in the 11th minute when Ollie Banks set up Erwin who turned superbly before volleying past Tyler for his third goal in two games and fourth in four.
The goal brought a reaction from Posh as Andrew Hughes headed wide before Craig Mackail-Smith had a shot blocked by Banks before forcing a superb stop from keeper Connor Ripley to turn the shot rod the post for a corner from which Tom Nichols volleyed over from six yards.
Posh kept knocking at the door and shortly before half time, Paul Taylor fired over and Mackail-Smith snatched at a shot and pulled it wide.
Latics started the second half brightly and almost doubled their lead three minutes into the half.
A free kick was awarded after O’Neill was fouled on the edge of the box, but Chris Taylor’s free kick curled wide of Tyler’s goal.
Latics had to be alert just after the our mark as Mackail-Smith’s header was cleared off the line by Ryan McLaughlin.
Tope Obadeyi replaced the injured Aaron Holloway just after the hour as Posh brought on Morais.
Striker Morais equalised for Peterborough United after 73 minutes as he headed home a cross from Chris Forrester.
Latics had a great chance to regain the lead only seconds after the restart. O’Neill played Obadeyi through on goal, but the striker snatched at his chance and fired wide.
Posh had two opportunities to take the lead soon after as Brad Inman curled his shot wide while Mackail-Smith set up Morais but he was also off target.
It would be Latics who were the most threatening in the final 10 minutes of the game, though they were dealt a blow as Anthony Gerrard limped off on 82 minutes.
Latics had their best chance three minutes later as Obadeyi was played through on goal, but Smith got back and prevent the striker from getting a clean shot away.
O’Neil’s effort was blocked minutes later while substitute Michael Ngoo headed over at the back post before six minutes of additional time was announced.
Banks had the final chance of the game in the final minute of additional time but struck wide from the edge of the box as Latics settled for one point.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; McLaughlin, Clarke, Gerrard (Reckord 82), Wilson; Green, Banks, O’Neill, Taylor; Holloway (Obadeyi 65), Erwin (Ngoo 82). Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Fane, Flynn.
Goals: Morais (73) for Posh. Erwin (11) for Latics.
Attendance: 4,222 (332 visitors)