Coldham

raylong1965
Jan 22, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Aug 17, 2020

2nd Round

Oldham Athletic (L4) v Burton Albion (L3)

Saturday 30th November 2019

I picked Samuel up from football training and headed North towards Leeds. It was very cold, due to clear, blue skies. As we climbed the Pennines, however, fog closed in around us. I had planned to point out the farm that had resisted the patch of the M62, but we couldn't see it.

We dropped down on the Lancashire side and the fog dissipated, revealing a gloriously sunny afternoon.

It was easy to park at the stadium, and we wrapped up warm before joining the Burton supporters. We had already purchased our tickets from the Pirelli Stadium (£18 for me, £5 for Samuel), so went straight into the stand. We had heard that the pies at Oldham are good, so I chose meat and potato while Samuel opted for steak. Together with a reasonable coffee, it cost £8.50.

True to their reputation, the pies were tasty and hot.

At the previous game at Gateshead, the Oldham family had bemoaned the poor season their team were having, and the effect on attendances. This was illustrated starkly with banks of empty seats on all sides. Always sad to see empty stadiums.

Our fellow Brewers supporters were in good voice, huddled together in groups for mutual warmth.

Albion started well and quickly showed their higher league position. After several meaningful attacks, they were rewarded for their endeavours on 23 minutes.

Breaking down the left wing, a pinpoint cross reached in-form striker Liam Boyce, who tucked home at the far post. 0-1.

Nothing of any great note followed before the break.

Half time Oldham Athletic 0 - 1 Burton Albion.

We attempted to purchase a hot drink to ward off the chill, but they had run out!

In the stand, despite scarves,hats and gloves, it became bitterly cold as the sun sank behind the stadium.

This may have been felt on the field, too, as the second half held little excitement. Burton's fans tried to lift the atmosphere with a few songs, and maybe the Latics did too, but we couldn't hear them.

In the 80th minute, Kieran O'Hara, in the Burton goal, raced out of his area to clear an attack and clearly handled the ball. We were sure a red card would follow, but the ref decided it only warranted a yellow. I'm surprised the cards hadn't turned blue like the rest of us.

On the final whistle, we left quickly to reach the warmth of our car, and were home by 7.30pm.

Full time Oldham Athletic 0 - 1 Burton Albion

Ratings - Food 7/10 (great pies but no hot drinks); facilities 6/10; atmosphere and entertainment 3/10 (too cold, too empty)

Attendance 2858

Round trip 184 miles

#FACup