A tale of two penalties at Boundary Park

Oldham Athletic 1 - 1 Barnet

It was a story of two penalties as Oldham and Barnet shared the points in a League Two encounter.

Author | Alex W

Stadium | Boundary Park

After a tricky start to the season, Oldham came into the match on the back of three straight wins, all with clean sheets, yet it was the visitors who seized control in the opening half. Barnet struck first after only five minutes, when a corner flicked off Mike Fondop’s fingertips and referee Sebastian Stockbridge pointed to the spot.

Mark Shelton held his nerve against his former club to convert, though he was booked for celebrating in front of the home fans. His afternoon ended swiftly as injury forced him off in the 17th minute, leaving Barnet to grind through what became a scrappy contest as they defended their narrow advantage.

Oldham improved after the interval and Micky Mellon’s substitutions brought renewed energy. The hosts were rewarded in the 71st minute when Donervon Daniels was bundled over in the area and Michael Mellon struck the equaliser from the penalty spot.

The game opened up in the closing stages. Mellon went close twice, only to be denied by Barnet goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, while Tom Conlon made a crucial clearance off the line to ensure Oldham held on for a point.

One point gained rather than two dropped | Oldham fans respond 

Daniel Hale, an Oldham supporter, told us: "Not the best performance but certainly not the worst."

Alex Wright added: "We didn't quite do enough to get the three points so we have to take the draw. I thought it was a very good atmosphere which is always a massive bonus and helps to make the matchday experience better."