Midfielder Dan Gardner scored a penalty to rescue Oldham Athletic a point away at Forest Green Rovers after Reuben Reid put the hosts ahead.
A point on the board. Thank you to all the travelling supporters who were fantastic today! #oafc pic.twitter.com/gFClIJerTs
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) August 11, 2018
Frankie Bunn’s starting eleven consisted of Iversen, Hamer, Edmundson, Graham, Hunt, Branger-Engone, Gardner (C), Missilou, Coke, Nepomuceno, O’Grady. But, it was substitute and fans favourite Jose Baxter who made the most impact on the game. His creative spark caused the Forest Green Rovers defence problems and was rewarded as he won the penalty for Latics.
Impressively for Latics, they had five scholars in the matchday squad as youth team products Jamie Stott, Jay Sheridan and young centre-back Harry Norris were on the bench, whilst Hamer and Edmundson started the game.
Forest Green Rovers took the lead when young defender Sam Graham slipped and was capitalized upon by former Oldham Athletic striker Rebuen Reid and his low effort found the bottom corner of the Oldham goal.
Leicester City loanee Daniel Iversen showed his quality for Latics in the second half, making numerous vital saves. Firstly, the Danish shot stopper was called into action as he flew to his left to save brilliantly to deny Reece Brown.
Following this, a cross came low into the Oldham penalty box to former Oldham Athletic midfielder Carl Winchester but Iversen spread himself, similar to another famous Danish goalkeeper.
The breakthrough for Latics came on 77 minutes when Forest Green Rovers goalkeeper Sanchez brought down Jose Baxter in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Captain Dan Gardner confident led by example as he dispatched the penalty.
#oafc pic.twitter.com/sZXX1Rrsee
— James Kitto (@jimjazz1) August 11, 2018
The hosts did have the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside as Latics managed to hold on for their first point of the season.
Here is how Oldham Athletic fans react as they draw against Forest Green Rovers –
Don’t know how people are surprised with the result we’re a team of kids, journeymen and 4th tier French players who’ve just come to the country, who as a matter of fact are our stand out players. No surprise any sort of organised outfit can beat us #oafc
— Simon (@SimonCrowe_) August 11, 2018
Absolute daylight robbery and still most of our lot clapped that off. Give up #oafc
— Alex Davis #AbdallahOut (@Ajd367) August 11, 2018
How the fuck have we drawn that 😂😂😂 #oafc
— j (@jamiebedford01) August 11, 2018
Not seen us play since last season but feels like there’s something seriously weird going on with this #oafc side. Wish we could just concentrate on the football and getting out of this absolute bastard league.
— Joshua Jones (@joshuapsjones) August 11, 2018
Good point considering how many players were missing. #oafc
— Martin Jankowskyj (@Janx83) August 11, 2018
Who the fuck signed off a 2 year deal for Giles Coke#oafc
— Mathew Bourne (@bourney84) August 11, 2018
Cant even describe the difference Baxter made. Insane difference in quality compared to the rest #oafc
— Aaron (@aaronhow177) August 11, 2018
Sign of the times when you're happy with a point away at Forest Green #OAFC pic.twitter.com/kEXw8nL33T
— Luke (@LukeHOAFC) August 11, 2018
