Lack of goals is a worry

Jan 28 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

OLDHAM boss John Sheridan, below, said his side’s lack of firepower was a big concern after Town became the third successive side to blank them.

The Latics went into the fourth-round tie on the back of goalless draws at Yeovil and Gillingham.

“I don’t think we played too badly and we had lots of possession,” said Town chief Andy Ritchie’s good mate, who was missing experienced frontman Lee Hughes through suspension..

“But the problem is we struggle to score, and if you don’t score, you don’t win.

“We created one or two decent chances, but not enough for a home team. When you get to the final third of the pitch, you have to create.

“We need to think and play that bit quicker.

“We also need to get the weight of our passes sorted out, and start making the right runs at the right time.

“We’ve got some young lads in the side, but they need to start learning fast.

“The goal was a sloppy one from our point of view and it gave them that bit of belief.

“I can’t fault our effort, but we have to be stronger in front of goal.”

Next up for Sheridan’s side, who are 14th to Town’s 17th, are Carlisle at home tomorrow.

The Cumbrians are third after going down 1-0 at Cheltenham on Friday, when Swansea went 11 points clear at the top with a 4-0 win at Doncaster and Northampton beat Orient 2-0.

On Saturday, Bournemouth, who come to Town tomorrow, won 3-1 at Port Vale.

Leeds were denied victory at Luton by a last-gasp Sam Parkin goal.

Paul Huntington had put Leeds in front in the first half.

Yeovil, Town’s hosts this Saturday, lost 2-1 at Tranmere, who had Calvin Zola and Jennison Myrie-Williams on target.

Walsall beat Gillingham 2-1 through Tommy Mooney and Edrissa Sonko while it was goalless between Crewe and Swindon.