David Dunn branded Saturday’s goalless draw at Spotland a “typical derby,” after a game of few chances yielded Latics’ first clean sheet since August.
Oldham’s best chance came when James Wilson headed wide from a free kick while Rochdale struck the post after the break, but neither side could break the derby deadlock and the teams shared the spoils.
The Athletic boss felt that a draw was a fair result, but was left ruing a first-half injury as his side went in search of a late winner.
“Neither teams created as much as they would have wanted – it was a typical derby,” said the 35-year-old.
“We are perhaps a little bit disappointed with how we were with the ball. At times, with a bit of luck and a bit of clinical finished we might have nicked one; today was not the day.
“Looking back, maybe [taking Mike Jones off] killed us a bit. If we didn’t have to make that unforced sub, we could have maybe brought big Ricardo [Fuller] on at the end when we were in the ascendancy.
“I thought we finished pretty strong and looked like we might nick one.”
Jones was replaced with an ankle complaint just before the break after Dunn named an unchanged line up, and Oldham’s confidence seems to be growing with the new boss yet to suffer defeat on the road.
The former Blackburn man has amassed nine points from his opening eight matches, but has lost just once and maintains that progress is ongoing – not least for his defensive unit – and that the fans are responding with almost 3000 making the short journey to Spotland.
“To get a clean sheet is pleasing, certainly for the back lads because they have not had one in a while. I think David Cornell’s been excellent for us,” said Dunn.
“The supporters showed us, as they do on all their travels, they are very dedicated to the club. The players, and certainly myself, really appreciate them turning out.
“There are a lot of worse places to come and get a point.”
Image courtesy of Oldham Athletic via YouTube, with thanks.
