AFC Halifax suffered a narrow defeat on Saturday morning at the hands of Oldham. In previous meetings AFC Halifax have had the upper hand on their Lancastrian counterparts but from the off, and playing down the slope it was the visitors in control creating more of the chances with 'keeper Chris Wigglesworth the busier of the two making some good saves and blocks. It was however AFC Halifax who had the best chance of the half with Martin Bishops shot coming off the underside of the bar as the midfielder was almost wheeling away in an Alan Shearer fashion. Towards the end of the half it was Oldham who took the lead. A corner was not cleared and the ball was flicked to the back post and the Oldham striker jumped higher than Wigglesworth and Adam Ramsden and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
AFC Halifax started the second half much better than they did the first and were rewarded with an equaliser. Ramsden's long throw in made its way to the far post where substitute Paul Cartman was on hand to slot the ball home.
Oldham were soon in the lead again however when a ball across the face of goal was turned home by the winger. 2-1 soon became 3-1 and the Oldham substitute was given too much space in the area but his finish was accurate and powerful and gave sub 'keeper Nigel Walker no chance. AFC Halifax refused to lie down and were soon awarded a penalty when Bishops goal bound shot was handled by the Oldham defender. Adam Robinson stepped up and slotted home.
AFC Halifax continued to press and was soon awarded another penalty. Adam Probets was a real handful and was pulled down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot, Robinson stepped up again and went the same way but this time the 'keeper pulled off a decent save. Cartman and Probets both had chances as AFC Halifax searched for an equaliser but to no avail and the points were Oldham's. A better second half showing but AFC Halifax know they will have to be much better when they entertain Hull City next Saturday in the IFA Cup.
Squad: Wigglesworth, Lumb, Barker, Ramsden, Heaton, Fawkes, Addy, Bishop, Robinson, S Barnes, Probets Subs: Walker, J Barnes, Foy, Cartman, Thompson
Ashley Addy