Castleton Gabriel's Vs Oldham Town

Gabs played host to local rivals Oldham town and were hoping to avenge a 4-1 defeat earlier in the season. Top scorer Andrew Pheby was out along with midfielders Jackson and Riley. So Watkinson and Entwistle deputised in the centre of midfield, and Carl Winstanley pushed up-front.

Hoping to get an early grip on the game, Gabs did the opposite and conceded an early goal. After 7 minutes Oldham playing some tidy football in the final third, played a neat through ball which landed at the feet of Jones, who had no trouble converting from close range.

Castleton almost responded immediately, but Captain Steve McCann failed to hit the target from close range after a corner kick fell to the towering central defender.

A swift counter attack gave Town their second, the ball played quickly to the left wing, and a deep cross went beyond all four Gabs defenders, and fell to Town’s McGill who volleyed it in from close range, to claim the visitor’s second of the afternoon. Castleton’s defense would need to improve if they were to salvage anything from the game.

Castleton could have reduced the deficit soon after, But striker Christian Evans failed to test the Oldham keeper as his scuffed the ball wide after being put through 1-on-1 with the Oldham keeper.

An over eager linesman had also restricted Gab’s attacking mobility as several dubious decisions went against Castleton, Carl Winstanley voicing his opinion but to no avail.

Oldham soon scored a third to continue the rout. Striker Scanlan converting a header from close range, and making a victory ever more elusive.

Fans favourite Alan Brannick nearly treated the home support to a wonder goal; he picked up the ball out side the Oldham area, neatly side stepped round several defenders, but hastily blasted his shot onto the adjacent field.

A fourth goal was soon to come, but unfortunately Gabs would be on the receiving end of an excellent individual effort. Oldham midfielder Curley won the ball in midfield, and after running 10 yards un-challenged, struck from 25 yards out into the top right corner. Gabs couldn’t have wished for a worse start and desperately needed to stamp their authority on the game if there were to take any pride out of the game.

Dean Watkinson nearly cooled the manager’s rage just before half time but could only look on as his shot was cleared off the line.

The emphasis on Castleton’s half time team talk was clearly not to concede any more goals, and they did very well to bring the in-form Oldham’s scoring to an abrupt end.

Oldham pressed down both wings hoping for some luck, but talisman Alan Brannick used his experience and strength to fend back any Oldham advances.

Without top scorer Andrew Pheby in the side Gabs were lacking a cutting edge up-front, Christian Evans again spurning a 1-on-1 with the keeper, and Carl Winstanley was still being haunted by the over zealous linesman who took a personal dislike to Winstanley.

With temperatures dropping and the floodlights lit, we were treated to the final goal of the afternoon after 70 minutes. Unfortunately the home crowd would have to wait another week for a Gabs goal, as Oldham scored a fifth.

A free kick on the edge of the area was hit low and hard into the bottom corner by striker Curley who claimed his 2nd of the afternoon.

Without key players Castleton were unable to conjure the ability to match the in-form Oldham who eventually claimed their 6th win in a row.

The Gabriel’s are now without a win in six and play host to table toppers New Mills this Saturday at Castleton sports centre. Although the task could be no harder, they will be looking to put on a performance for the home support who will no doubt match the Millers loyal traveling support.