OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, DONCASTER ROVERS 0
Oldham Athletic climbed out of the Sky Bet League One relegation places, but their battle for survival won’t be determined until the last game of the season following their home goalless draw against Doncaster Rovers.
It looks like a straight battle between Latics and Rochdale for the one remaining relegation place as Bury, MK Dons and Northampton Town are already down.
Manager Richie Wellens made a number of changes to the side which lost to Southend United on Tuesday night, including surprise starts for forgotten duo Gevaro Nepomuceno and Kundai Benyu.
It was to prove a dour game of few clear-cut chances as mid-table Doncaster provided tough resistance bearing in mind they are going neither up nor down.
The first chance of the game came after eight minutes as Jack Byrne threaded a through ball to Duckens Nazon, but the striker’s effort was smothered by goalkeeper Ian Lawlor.
Minutes later, Nazon’s effort was blocked and Byrne had a chance from 25 yards which also struck an opponent.
Latics had to be wary at the other end and after 16 minutes John Marquis’ effort was blocked on the line by Tom Hamer.
Doncaster grew into the game and forced errors from Latics who still threatened going forward as Ben Pringle crossed for Eoin Doyle but his header flashed wide.
Marquis was presented with a chance for Doncaster after 36 minutes after Wellens’ men struggled to clear their lines, but he fired over from the edge of the box.
Latics were almost ahead before the break as Nazon laid the ball back to Byrne six yards from goal, but Doncaster cleared the danger.
They also started the second half strongly as Nazon crossed for Doyle six yards from goal, but the striker could not connect with his header properly as the chance was lost.
Shortly after an effort from Pringle was blocked in front of goal before Nazon had two chances to put Latics ahead.
He forced a save from Lawlor and from the rebound he curled inches wide from 25 yards.
Minutes later, Nepomuceno crossed for Doyle but a hand from Lawlor took the ball off the striker’s head.
Changes followed for both sides as Wellens brought on Craig Davies into the attack in place of Pringle.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, but it was Latics that did the pressing.
Rob Hunt crossed from the right but it was too high from Davies while minutes later, substitute Patrick McEleney raced into the penalty area but could not cut the ball back for Nazon who was ready to convert.
The ball went behind for a corner and from that, Nazon volleyed over. It was a nervy finish as both sides had to settle for a point.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Placide; Hunt, Hamer, Edmundson, Nepomuceno; Benyu, Gardner, Pringle (Davies 64), Byrne (McEleney 75); Nazon, Doyle. Subs (not used): De La Paz, Wilson, Stott, Obadeyi, Holloway.
Attendance: 5,297 (770 visitors)