Saints frustrated by Oldham

20 April 2010 22:12
Southampton's hopes for a swift return to the Championship ended with a whimper as they were held to a goalless draw at St Mary's following a sturdy defensive display by Oldham. Despite dominating possession, Saints were unable to break through a resolute Oldham side who edged themselves another point to safety and were well worth the draw. In a largely lifeless first half Saints top scorer Rickie Lambert had the best chance when his 30-yard free-kick was fumbled by Oldham keeper Daryl Flahavan but he recovered in time to prevent Lee Barnard from pouncing on the rebound. On the half-hour mark Lambert cushioned a header into the path of Dean Hammond but the midfielder's attempted chipped volley lacked enough power to beat Flahavan. The second half continued in much the same vain with Oldham getting 10 men behind the ball and restricting the hosts to half chances. Oldham then had the best chance of the game on 70 minutes when substitute Tom Eaves was denied by Kelvin Davies. In the dying seconds Saints replacement Papa Waigo should have scored when he was faced with an open goal but made a hash of his effort.

Source: PA