A draw from the jaws of victory

Last updated : 01 February 2003 By Michael Morris
A Jason Bowen goal on 35 mins was looking like enough as the clock was ticking down bit a double substitution by Lennie on 85 mins broke the concentration of the 11 men that were on the pitch and within a minute Oldham were level.

For the Latics it was like winning the cup final, it preserved their unbeaten away record and City fans at the final whistle trudged out of Ninian Park as if we'd lost.

It was a shame to end like that, for an hour City had played some great football, Mahon was a class act, contunually beating his man and getting over crosses. Earnie will rue a gilt edged chance that went begging after he rounded the keep and tried to blast into the empty net only for defender Hall to head of the line. Earnie was thwarted again by the excellent Miskelly in the Oldham goal and the keeper also tipped over a powerful Peter Thorne header.

City could have scored 6, Oldham hit the bar and could have weighed in with goals too but their finishing, as with Cardiff, let them down.

A win was so important for Cardiff, we didn't get and I feel the substitutions were the key. A poor decision by Lennie that cost us 2 points.

The draw leaves us a point behind Oldham still with 2 games in hand but more worringly it means that Wigan and Crewe can push on today. Wigan can move 17 points ahaead and Crewe 5 points ahead, both have home games. We could even drop to 5th place if Bristol win in Blackpool.

Tuesday nights game at Northampton is now a must win game. Crewe play on Tuesday as well we got to take control and start winning.