Rovers battled back in a game befitting the conditions to grab a share of the spoils at Oldham.
I’m sure Oldham fans will point to Joseph Mills’ sending off as a turning point, but in truth replacing a scarecrow with two forwards willing to make runs and show for the ball provided the catalyst.
Up until that point Rovers had been uncharacteristically, by recent standards anyway, shaky at the back with both Andy Butler and Luke McCullough culpable for Oldham’s opener. Butler misjudged a hopeful punt and his defensive partner, sucked towards the ball, failed to compensate. Questions will be raised regarding the defending for the second too, whether or not it crossed the line.
Paul Dickov was quoted saying he expected double figures from Theo Robinson this season. Unless he was referring to touches in the opposition half I suggest he readjusts his targets. The introduction of Nathan Tyson and Curtis Main gave Rovers a focal point, allowing them to put pressure on 10 man Oldham. I’ve no idea what took the referee so long to dismiss Mills, but it’s difficult to argue Tyson’s ‘goal’ (I’m reluctant to describe it as such) should have stood. It was vintage Jamie Coppinger for the equaliser.
Looking at the positives, Rovers are unbeaten in five. We don’t have anything as toe-curlingly embarrassing as Oldham’s ‘Athleticos’. Coppinger is still a fantastic man and whatever job you’re doing nine o’clock Monday morning you’re doing it better than Robinson is doing his.
by Ben Peacock
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