In any other world, this would have been remembered as a drab opening day draw. But given the context and Oldham Athletic’s return to the EFL, a stalemate against title favourites MK Dons was a League Two draw (0-0) for the ages.
The game was largely uneventful, and, it must be said, quite a painful watch for a neutral. Between both teams there was only one shot on target, from Oldham, and it was struck with as much ferocity as a pitching wedge in golf. But none of that matters tonight. Oldham are back, and by holding MK Dons away from home, they have already shown their intent to enter this league with more tactical awareness than when they were relegated in 2021/22.
A match for the Oldham fans, not the stats
The pre-game talk focused on how the newly promoted Latics could handle the superior firepower of league favourites MK Dons. But not only did they nullify the home side’s attack, they also had the better chances when the few opportunities that did arise came their way.
A special mention must go to Oldham debutant Ryan Woods, who was a constant thorn in the side of an MK Dons team that started brightly but were gradually frustrated into borderline anonymity. He threw himself into tackles, chased back tirelessly, and sparked a couple of attacks, all with energy to spare.
The Oldham fans, as expected, were in full voice. It’s no exaggeration to say that without them creating the atmosphere and party vibes, it would have felt like watching football in a library, such was the effect of Oldham’s structured tactics on both the MK Dons team and their support.
A cautionary tale for the ‘Dons.
It goes without saying that a single game won’t define any team’s season, but the fact that MK Dons were nullified so easily will be a cause for concern this early in the campaign.
Gameday One will likely have no effect of gameday forty-six yet it feels like an opportunity lost for a team that were talked up so much, to ultimately deliver such a listless performance.
Oldham set up a Boundary Park party
Oldham are set to host Colchester in their first home Football League game since May 2022, and today’s draw will make the atmosphere even more of a party than expected.
While MK Dons fans go home with plenty to reflect on, Oldham supporters will happily overlook stats like 59% pass accuracy in a week that was all about being back in the EFL. If ever an uneventful match could galvanise a team for the season ahead, this was it for Oldham.
