Match report: Huddersfield Town 2 - 0 Oldham Athletic

Apr 7 2010 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AT THIS stage of the season, it’s the result that matters most, and the record books will show Town claimed the win which put them three points clear in that crucial sixth spot in League I.

While the home side struggled to find any kind of fluency, Theo Robinson’s goals shortly before the break, then in the third minute of stoppage time at the end, were enough to get the better of Oldham, who continued to prove stubborn opposition even after having right-back Kieran Lee sent off in the 76th minute.

Robinson’s second of the game and 13th of the season, slotted home from Gary Roberts’ cross, not only put gloss on the scoreline but provided a further boost to Town’s goal difference.

Home boss Lee Clark fielded an unchanged starting side for the third match running.

Oldham included ex-Town striker Pawel Abbott, but former Galpharm skipper Jon Worthington had to make do with a place on the bench – Andy Holdsworth was missing due to being out injured.

It was the 38th league meeting between the pair, with Town chasing a 17th win and Oldham a 10th.

The opening exchanges were lively, with Robinson running onto Jordan Rhodes’ pass and forcing a corner with a teasing centre in the second minute.

Oldham hit back, Chris Taylor crossing for Lewis Guy to nod over before Reuben Hazell’s header from Dale Stephens’ 15th-minute corner was held by Alex Smithies.

When Town then forced a flag kick, taken by Roberts, Rhodes headed onto the roof of the net from Peter Clarke’s flick on.

Robinson and Rhodes were both ruled offside as Town tried to pierce the Oldham defence with through balls from the halfway line.

But the home fans’ frustration turned to relief as Town had two let-offs in quick succession.

First, on 19 minutes, Danny Whitaker picked out Abbott who, one on one with Smithies, tried to chip the Town keeper, only for his effort to be blocked.

Then, on 20, a foul by Dean Heffernan yielded a free-kick which Stephens floated in for Hazell to nod back across goal.

Abbott, Oldham’s 13-goal top scorer, powered in a header which thumped against the bar and bounced back out.