Good Friday? It definitely is when you’re at the start of a four-day weekend. And let’s hope Boro’ can keep the upbeat vibes going as we head north to Boundary Park in search of an 11th straight match without defeat. With 10 already under the belt, there’s still a lot to set our sights on. Three points against the Latics sends us into positive goal difference. And it takes us past the 50-point milestone too. But, at the same time, let’s not be complacent…
The Details: Oldham Athletic v Stevenage
Where’s the game?
Boundary Park is the place we’re heading; the home of the Latics since 1904. And that ain’t changing between the time you read this and when we kick off this Friday afternoon.
Can I watch Oldham Athletic v Stevenage?
Let’s be honest, is there a better way to kick back into your four-day weekend (thank you Jebus) than with Boro’ on the box? Of course not! And that’s why you’ll be wanting to get yourself an iFollow Match Pass for the bargain price of a tenner.
You know it makes sense.
How is Boro’s form looking at the moment?
For a team that were rooted to bottom of the division at Christmas, Boro’s transformation over the past weeks has been so lovely. It’s been so long since we last put together a run of 10 unbeaten games. We actually can’t remember the last time we did it. And, sorry, we have two match previews to do this weekend. So, don’t have the time to go through the archives. You understand, yeah? Cool. We knew you would…
Anyway, we go again; looking to build our current unbeaten run out some more. Here we have a chance to make it three straight wins. Now, we do know when that last happened – almost two years ago during the 2018-9 season, if you’re asking, as we made a late dash for the playoffs. Back to the present, and we still got the second best defence in the league. At the very least, it makes the Latics’ task that little bit harder.
… and how are the Latics doing right now?
Oldham’s form is all over the place right now; picking up seven points from the past eight games. In all, the Latics have one win to their name in that time – or two wins in 12 should you want to take it back further. And that’s actually quite odd because they’re one of the most potent attacks in the league; 55 goals from 38 is third only to Exeter City (60) and Cambridge United (57). So, what gives? Why aren’t goals delivering wins?
Well, it probably has a lot to do with a) their poor form indoors and b) leaky defence. Just two sides have picked up fewer points at home this term – and you’ll find them both in the bottom two. Meanwhile, no team has conceded as many as the Latics in League Two; 64 goals from 38 to date is almost double the number we’ve let in. One last thing before you head on. Oldham have kept just one clean sheet at home this season (Southend United).
Let’s not help them make it two by firing blanks again.
Our story with Oldham Athletic so far
After a goalless draw at the Lamex last season that could’ve gone on for weeks without a goal, we made up for it earlier this season with a thumping 3-0 win. It was our first league victory at the Lamex for god knows how long too. But that doesn’t matter now. What does, however, is the fact that it took us to four wins over the Latics from our 10 outings to date. They’ve won three and the other three – well – ended all square.
At Boundary Park, our record is a mixed one. It began with a 1-1 draw in September 2011, followed by a 1-0 win early the next season. To complete the set, we lost 1-0 there in early 2014, which stands to reason – given that we ended up dropping out of League One a few months later. And with our 1-1 draw there in March 2019 bringing us back around to where we started, we can only assume we’re set for a 1-0 win again to keep the circle spinning.
Last Time Out: Stevenage 3-0 Oldham Athletic, 19 September 2020
Who’s the referee in charge?
Ah, it’s hello to Mr Toner for the first time since our 0-0 draw against Reading in our 2018-9 FA Cup Round Three encounter. It’s the last of five Boro’ games overseen by the Lancashire official and now more than three years ago. The headline news here is that we’re still to be on the wrong side of the result when Mr Toner is in charge; recording three 2-1 wins, before going on to draw the next two. So, what do you make of that?
Let’s bring matters up to date and what the lad has been up to so far this season. Well, he comes into this match with 27 others under his belt. Most recently, he’s been seen struttin’ his stuff in League One. But he’s not above our level by any stretch. And he’s not the most card happy either. With 79 bookings up to this point, that’s not even three per game. There are also two reds to his name; the last one coming weeks ago on Saturday 2 January.
Last Time Out: Stevenage 0-0 Reading, 06 January 2018
Oldham Athletic v Stevenage: Our verdict?
We made light work of the Latics earlier this season. But don’t let that fool you. We reckon there’s enough about them to make a good Friday turn bad if we’re not careful. Boro’ must draw on our new-found confidence and assert ourselves. If we do, we’ll call it two: 1-2.
