Non-League: Oldham struggle again
Football is going on outside of Qatar
Solihull Moors 2 - 1 Oldham Athletic
Two goals at the start of the second half proved costly as Oldham Athletic fell to defeat at Solihull.
The home side struck twice in the space of three minutes through Joe Sbarra and Andrew Dallas to pick up maximum points at Damson Park.
Check out this video from Solihull Moors Football Club - YouTube
Substitute John Rooney scored directly from a corner with a minute of regular time to play but despite a late rally from the visitors, it wasn’t enough for them to find a way back into the game.
The away side looked to have emerged as the stronger side as the first half progressed. Alex Reid was denied on his debut before Ben Tollitt struck a post with the interval approaching.
But just when it appeared as though the visitors would gain a foothold, the good work quickly fell apart for the away side.
Home side starts to get on top
After a tight opening, it was the home side who first posed a threat, John Kelly drawing a smart save from Magnus Norman after breaking down the right wing before Alex Gudger directed a header wide from a free-kick.
Kelly also sent a shot wide but with half-time approaching, Latics created a number of clear chances.
Having already gone close himself, Sydie Peck cleverly let the ball run through to Reid, whose strong effort was turned aside by Ryan Boot.
And just before the interval, Tollitt was played in by Hope before making a run into the area from the left, only for his shot to strike a post.
Oldham needed some inspiration, and the fans were not happy
Left the booing to others on Saturday. I understand why they did but, like Paddy, I was just disappointed. I’m patient until not enough points to get us out this mess. That said, DU needs to act i.e. Sheron as DM, partner for Reid & not isolate the lad #oafc
— Simon D Spong (@midsblue1972) December 6, 2022
Yet the start of the second period was to signal a collapse for Latics, as within 60 seconds of the re-start Kelly broke from midfield before finding Dallas, who squared the ball for Sbarra to convert.
Soon it was two as the hosts put together another counter attack, Sbarra playing the ball into Dallas to slot home from close range.
Solihull proceeded to control the second period by enjoying the majority of the play, with Latics introducing three substitutes in an attempt to get back into the game.
Norman had to be alert to deny Sbarra at his near post whilst the goalkeeper also saved from Ryan Barnett.
After Boot had saved from Hope, Latics found a lifeline when an inswinging corner from Rooney went straight into the goal past a cluster of bodies in the area but despite late pressure, the visitors were unable to complete a recovery.
Solihull Moors fans have high hopes of a promotion push
𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 🙌
— Solihull Moors FC (@SolihullMoors) December 5, 2022
We can't wait to have you right behind us again on Saturday. 🗣 pic.twitter.com/d9onmVFeet
They are now 7th in the National League, is a place in the English Football League in their future? That is something that Oldham fans can only dream of at the moment. They are more hoping to avoid a second successive relegation.
