Oldham 1 Notts County 1

Last updated : 22 February 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Notts County became the latest side to frustrate Oldham on home turf as Paul Heffernan struck an equaliser in the 85th minute.

The Latics have taken just seven points out of 21 at Boundary Park and form in front of their own fans is in stark contrast to the exploits which have left them as the country's only unbeaten away team.

County levelled after facing a first-half bombardment which saw Wayne Andrews break the deadlock in the 44th minute.

The point was a potentially vital one for the struggling visitors and Oldham-born manager Billy Dearden was delighted with the way his players stuck to their guns.

"I thought we deserved something because we worked ever so hard and created quite a few chances," he said after the match.

"It was nice to get a point away - it's our first for a little while - and full credit to the lads for their spirit.

"We conceded a very soft goal and our keeper showed a bit of indecision but after that he was excellent.

"And our goal was down to a great free kick from Darren Caskey but you expect that because he has such quality." Oldham took control early on despite losing midfielder Danny Boshell to an ankle injury and the first of their clear openings was headed wide by on loan striker Ben Burgess.

Burgess had another effort tipped over before Caskey denied Paul Murray with a goalline clearance.

Murray and Chris Killen both went close and Oldham got their goal thanks to a long kick upfield by keeper Leslie Pogliacomi.

It bounced all the way to Andrews, who got the last touch 20 yards out, to steer the ball past onrushing Notts goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.

County forced their way back into it after the break and top scorer Mark Stallard was thwarted, although Oldham substitute Carlo Corazzin also had a good opportunity.

The visitors were level thanks to Caskey's delivery from the right. The loose ball bobbled around six yards out and Heffernan lashed in his seventh goal of the season.