Another 1-1 draw for Dunn's men

Michael Higdon

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PORT VALE 1 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1

INCREDIBLY it's three straight 1-1 draws for Athletic under interim boss David Dunn after Port Vale came from behind to earn a point.

Prospects looked rosy at half-time as Athletic led thanks to Michael Higdon's well-placed header.

However, sub Uche Ikpeazu salvaged a share of the spoils for Rob Page's men with 19 minutes left.

Athletic just about enjoyed the better of the first period at Vale Park, and deservedly led at the interval.

The visitors took the lead in the 35th minute with a straight-forward strike.

Mike Jones floated in a corner-kick that Higdon headed home to register his first goal since last week's loan move from Sheffield United.

Earlier Jones had forced Vale 'keeper Jak Alnwick into a smart save, while Higdon also headed wide from close range.

Recalled striker Colin Daniel went closest for Vale when he flashed an effort over the top from inside the box.

Dunn's men should have gone two clear on the stroke of half-time when Higdon blazed over wildly from close in after Alnwick spilled an arrowing 20-yard drive from recalled fellow front-man Dominic Poleon.

Athletic maintained their good tempo at the beginning of the second half, and full-back Timothee Dieng went close from distance.

Similarly, midfielder Jones did well to carve out some space on the edge of the box before firing narrowly wide.

The visitors' lead ought to have been doubled just before the hour mark.

Former Leeds hit-man Poleon latched on to Dieng's smart pass, only to fire inches wide from 15 yards.

The hosts levelled matters in the 71st minute when sub Ikpeazu barged through to slot home his fifth goal of the season after meeting Byron Moore's cross.

Poleon and sub Danny Philliskirk went close for the visitors late on, but boss Dunn had to settle for another draw.