Curle reflects on Walsall defeat

Date published: 20 October 2021


Latics' Head Coach Keith Curle says Oldham were missing a killer instinct after a 3-1 defeat at Boundary Park at the hands of Walsall last night.

Emmanuel Osadebe sealed Walsall's win five minutes from time when he slid home a low strike after taking advantage of confusion in Oldham's defence.

"The third goal killed us." Curle told ifollow Oldham.  "It's disappointing.  At the time, we had them on the ropes.  We started the second half very well and we got the goal as the reward."

"The attitude from 2-0 down was good.  The reaction was excellent, but we need that hunger to force a goal."

Substitute Hallam Hope headed home Jamie Bowden's corner kick after 67 minutes, his first goal on his score sheet for Oldham. Curle says it was a promising start for the 27-year-old.

"The pleasing thing is him getting the goal in the action area.  If you're gonna force goals you gotta be in there.

Brave, willing to go in there, and first goal.  Excellent for the kid."

Concerns about Alan Sheehan's fitness were allayed, after picking up what seemed to be a calf injury in the tenth minute of the game.

"Sheehan is on a personally designed fitness programme - and it's difficult to replicate game tempo and which is what you need.  He felt a tug in his calf and I've always said if you feel anything you got to come off.  

"Hopefully it's not as bad as we think, but he has to protect himself and keep himself available."

Latics face struggling Carlisle on Saturday, less than two weeks after Head Coach Chris Beech's departure.  Carlisle lie in the relegation places having taken just two points from their past five matches and two wins this season.


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