Richie Wellens bemoans slow start as Oldham share spoils with Walsall
Posted Thursday, April 12, 2018 by PA
Oldham boss Richie Wellens spoke of his frustration after his side were held to a 1-1 home draw by fellow Sky Bet League One relegation battlers Walsall.
West Brom loanee Jack Fitzwater lashed in a rebound for Walsall, with Duckens Nazon levelling.
The Latics enjoyed the better of the game but, despite a particularly dominant second-half performance, they could not force home what would have been a deserved winner.
Wellens said: “It was a game of two halves.
“The conditions played their part in the first half and then we go and concede to a set-play.
“That wasn’t ideal, but at least we got back into it before half-time and then in the second we created lots of chances.
“I don’t remember (Oldham goalkeeper) Johny Placide having a save to make until right at the end.
“We were camped in their box at times, and their goalkeeper has made a couple of worldy saves.
“We do seem to complicate the game a bit too much, though.
“We need to slow the game down a bit, and it does get a bit frustrating for me when I have to tell some of the players what to do.
“We should have won of course. Maybe we just needed that bit of extra quality in and around their goal.
“Overall I am frustrated, but we have to take the positives and that’s another point closer to where we want to be.”
Walsall manager Dean Keates was pleased Oldham did not gain any ground as the Saddlers remain three points clear of Wellens’ men.
Keates said: “I think for us the important thing is that Oldham haven’t gained on us.
“We have picked up a point and added to our tally.
“Looking at the second half, with the amount of pressure we were put under, and with the conditions as well, I’d say a point is fair for both teams.
“I think they turned the wind up at half-time.
“It was blowy and strong in the first half. But second half, it was horrendous.
“So I have to give the lads credit.
“I said to them and half-time, ‘if we can keep a clean sheet this half we will get an opportunity’.
“We got an opportunity.
“Their keeper has pulled off a very good save, but Liam Roberts has pulled two good saves for us as well.”
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