Oldham boss Banide pleased to pick up first point in English football

Posted Wednesday, August 21, 2019 by PA

Oldham boss Laurent Banide was relieved to break his duck in English football as Latics secured their first point of the season with a 0-0 home draw against Exeter.

Former Monaco head coach Banide had begun his Oldham career with three straight league defeats, but the stalemate with unbeaten Exeter was enough to move the Boundary Park outfit off the foot of Sky Bet League Two.

Both sides could have won it, with Oldham’s Johan Branger heading over from close range and Zak Mills seeing his effort cleared off the line by Dean Moxey.

Exeter wasted a clear-cut opening through Matt Jay and thought they had clinched victory in stoppage time, only for Jake Taylor’s header to be ruled out for offside.

Banide said: “A point is important for our spirit and morale. When you are losing games it’s hard, but hopefully this will be the start of something.

“We have solidarity and everyone is working a lot. We saw the team work well together and we tried to play good football also.

“We could have scored one or two goals with the opportunities we made. I am happy for the players, but we need to continue after this and keep being better.

“Some players came into the team and they did their job. It was a difficult game and we need more results, but this is what we are trying to do.

“The result is important for the future and the players worked hard, which is good because we played a good team and had to work for every minute.

“David Wheater was fantastic for us in defence and he is important for other people in the team. He gives us security and confidence.”

Exeter manager Matt Taylor was frustrated to fall short of a third victory in four games.

He said: “I’m pleased with the performance, but it’s tinged with disappointment because we had enough chances to win.

“No disrespect to Oldham, but we were the better team tonight and unfortunately we didn’t make it count.

“Some will see it as a point gained away from home, but it’s two points dropped in my eyes.

“It’s all about scoring goals. We were dominant, but that’s irrelevant if you don’t take your chances and win the game.

“We played with intent out wide and dominated so strongly. We did make an incredible block on the line through Dean Moxey, but the opportunities were there for all three points.

“We made a long journey and got stronger as the game went on, so nobody can say we aren’t fit. Oldham were defending for their lives at the end, but it wouldn’t go in for us and maybe this just wasn’t our night.”