Delaying tactics upset Parkinson

ATHLETIC were accused of time-wasting after their goalless draw at Charlton on Saturday.

It came from Addicks’ manager Phil Parkinson, who was unhappy with the delaying tactics of the Boundary Park players.

Parkinson said: “It is frustrating because Oldham came to make it difficult for us, and they succeeded.

“The only thing I will say is that from the first minute they were taking their time on free kicks, throw-ins and goal kicks.

“I don’t blame Oldham for that, but the referee ought to have got to grips with it from the start and speeded the game up.

“People pay money to see two teams compete to win a game and it is the referee’s job to make sure the ball is in play as quick as it can be.

“I spoke to the referee about it at half time and at the end. I think his interpretation of what was taking a long time was a long way off what mine is. But that is a side issue between myself and the referee.”

Parkinson also praised Athletic, saying: “Oldham did a good job and credit to them for doing that.

“When teams play that way the first goal is important. I am sure had we got one we would have gone on to win the game.”

Parkinson could not fault the effort of his Charlton team, who have lost only one of their first 12 league matches.

Athletic manager Dave Penney was delighted with draw his side earned at The Valley.

He said: “It is a tough place to come — they are flying high at the top of the league — so you have to be happy to come away with a point.

discipline

“When you are playing in front of a 16,000 crowd it raises your game and we love to come to places like this and put on a show.”

Penney, who was pleased with the discipline of his players and also the way they kept their shape, thought it was a backhand compliment that the Charlton fans were chanting “boring, boring Oldham”.

“It was fantastic and I wish every home crowd would chant that as it shows you must be doing something right,” Penney added.

Penney said his players were disappointed they were not awarded a penalty late in the opening period when Joe Colbeck and Frazer Richardson tangled.

The Athletic manager believes good preparation has helped them pick up eight points away from Boundary Park this season. They now travel on Friday mornings for long journeys and borrow training facilities near to their destination in the afternoons to get the travel weariness out of their legs.

He also saluted captain and central defender Sean Gregan for another solid display at the back as well as Pawel Abbott, who was Athletic’s lone man up front.