Winchester snatches dramatic late equaliser

Carl Winchester: equaliser

PORT VALE 2, OLDHAM ATLETIC 2

GUTSY Athletic snatched a draw thanks to sub Carl Winchester's dramatic 94th-minute equaliser at Port Vale.

Winchester drilled home from close range, just when it looked as though Vale were about to seal a scarcely-deserved comeback win.

Athletic enjoyed much the better of what proved to be an entertaining goalless first period at a damp and misty Vale Park.

They bossed the chance count, with Freddie Ladapo twice going close in the opening 10 minutes.

The closest the visitors came when Peter Clarke's powerful header was brilliantly saved by Vale 'keeper Jak Alnwick.

The visitors were totally dominant, but were thwarted time and again.

Ollie Banks saw a shot deflected just over the top, while the impressive midfielder then fizzed an arrowing 25-yard drive inches over the top in first-half stoppage-time.

There was drama at the start of the second half, with Athletic taking the lead in the 48th minute as Banks lashed home from a free-kick, via a slight deflection.

The visiting supporters rejoiced, but just three minutes later the scores were level again as Remie Streete powerfully headed home Ryan Taylor's in-swinging cross.

Either side of the hour mark, the Valiants' tails were up and Charles Dunne was heroic in blocking sub Kiko's goal-bound strike.

Athletic finally responded encouragingly, with sub Carl Winchester being denied twice by brave defensive blocks in rapid succession.

However, sub Cicilia poked home what turned out to be the winner from close range after Connor Ripley had brilliantly saved Quentin Pereira's shot.

With five minutes to go Athletic came agonisingly close to levelling when sub Lee Erwin struck the crossbar, only for Winchester to then prove the late hero.