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Boss's delight at beating top team

15/ 9/2008

JOHN Sheridan was a happy man after watching his Oldham Athletic team go three points clear the top of Coca-Cola League One.

Goals from Lee Hughes and Mark Allott gave Latics a 2-0 win over MK Dons at Boundary Park, extending their unbeaten league run to six matches in the process.

Nevertheless, the three points were hard earned as Latics keeper Mark Crossley saved Mark Wright's penalty for the visitors.

The veteran also denied Aaron Wilbraham on a couple of occasions, while visiting keeper Willy Gueret thwarted Hughes and Lewis Alessandra.

Sheridan said: "They're a decent team who made it hard for us. I'm pleased with the way we went about our job because people will come and make it difficult for us.

"I was pleased with the first 10 or 15 minutes. Until the penalty they weren't in the game and if they'd scored, they'd feel they could get back in the game.

"Luckily Mark's saved it and even though they're a decent side, I thought we looked solid. There were one or two-half chances but I told the lads at half-time we could raise our game - we upped the tempo and I think we looked strong second half.

"I definitely believe we deserved to win the game. The keeper's (Gueret) made two wonder saves but I've said to them that teams will come to make it difficult for us.

"Chris Taylor was quiet but it's good that other people have come forward. We've had opportunities but as a team, we looked solid defending and going forward."

While Sheridan mostly kept his thoughts to himself about whether the visitors deserved their penalty, he was more than willing to praise Roberto Di Matteo's players. Last season's League Two champions will give a lot of teams problems this season based on the performance they produced at Boundary Park.

Sheridan said: "I thought the penalty was harsh but I've seen them given, I won't really go on about it too much.

"They're one of the better teams we've played. They have one or two decent players and they have a lot of pace.

“They're going to cause teams lots of problems. Last season, their away record was good and they go out expecting to win games, so to win 2-0 was very pleasing."