Just the ticket!

BARRY OWEN

Five-match offer to win back fans
TRUST Oldham chairman Barry Owen has called on Athletic fans to flock to Boundary Park after the club priced the home games against Colchester, Scunthorpe, Yeovil, Bournemouth and Leyton Orient at £15 for the lot.

In a bold move which will delight infrequent visitors to the ground but won’t be so popular with season ticket holders who have already shelled out for the remaining home fixtures, chairman Simon Corney will take a financial hit to boost crowds.

The ‘Golden Tickets’ go on sale at the ground at 9am on Friday and are available for all areas except the Main Stand, upper section, where all seats are reserved.

Paul Dickov’s side entertain Colchester on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).

The offer expires on Tuesday, March 27 and Owen, who is also a club director, believes it has the potential to transform the atmosphere.

He said: “I think this is an excellent move as we are absolutely desperate for support.

“Although the club will suffer financially, it gives people who cannot usually afford to come the chance to attend now, and I hope it increases our crowds.

“Season ticket holders are going to be a bit displeased, but hopefully we can find a way of looking after them in the future. We are asking them to bear with us.”

Owen feels the poor turn-out at the last home game — a 2-1 victory over Walsall — was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

He added: “There is nothing worse than playing in a big stadium with only 2,500 fans there.

“Believe me, it makes a difference to the players when there are more people there and they are getting behind them.

“The manager and his staff are doing a good job with their limited resources.

“Now the aim is to get a lot more people along to the next five home matches and repay their support with some positive results.”

Chief executive Neil Joy added: “This period fits the bill because the games are coming thick and fast.

“The Carlisle game last year, when we slashed ticket prices, and more recently our travelling support at Liverpool, convinced us to offer this deal.”

There is no limit to the number of tickets available as long as the ground is not filled, and no vouchers are required.

Those who opt not to buy a Golden Ticket can still gain admission to the five games at normal matchday prices.




ATHLETIC reserves roared to a 3-2 win at high-flying Burnley in the Central League West Division.



Target man Matt Smith pounced twice and Kirk Millar also netted in a victory which lifted Lee Duxbury’s side off bottom spot in the table, and prevented the Clarets from reaching the summit.

Smith nodded home Millar’s corner after 20 minutes and soon afterwards Millar netted from close range.

Smith scored his second before the break after good work from David Mellor on the left.

Burnley rallied after the restart. Danny Ings’ overhead kick gave them hope after an hour and Zavon Hines fired home in the dying minutes, but Athletic held on for the win.

Reuben Reid, who has been sidelined for four months with a serious thigh muscle injury, started for the away side as he stepped up his bid to return to Paul Dickov’s first team.

Meanwhile, full-back Paul Black was having a scan today on his injured hamstring.

He was carried off in the first half against MK Dons at the weekend.