Timely nudge

NOT a rugby scrum: Filipe Morais is mobbed after scoring the equalising goal for Oldham against Charlton. Match pictures by Max Flego

SCORING hero Filipe Morais is targeting an extended run in the Athletic team.

The tricky winger (26) has been out of favour lately, his last start coming two months ago in the home win over Wycombe.

With Luca Scapuzzi, Chris Taylor, Tom Adeyemi, Josh Parker and Robbie Simpson all preferred over him in a wide midfield role this season, it was vital for Morais that he made an impact as a substitute.

And that was exactly what he accomplished at Charlton.

After netting the equaliser with a neat side-footed finish, his first goal of the season, Morais was mobbed by his team-mates at The Valley.

“It was about time,” said the Portugal-born winger. “It has been frustrating for me. I didn’t start the season well and though in the last month or two I have been really sharp, the lads have been doing really well and I haven’t been able to get in the team.

“Hopefully, sooner rather than later I will be playing again. I do feel really good and fresh — I have not played all season, so I am looking forward to the upcoming games.”

Gaining a valuable point at the home of the npower League One leaders, Athletic head into the festive period in 13th place in the table.

Hartlepool are next up at Boundary Park on Boxing Day, with Notts County the visitors at the same venue on New Year’s Eve five days later. Athletic travel to play Chesterfield on Monday, January 2.

It is hoped that Paul Black (groin) and Kieran Lee (ankle ligaments) will be fit to face Hartlepool in nine days’ time. Jean-Yves Mvoto (hamstring) was also missing at The Valley.

In the wars on Saturday was centre-back Nathan Clarke, who needed four stitches to a cut under his right eyebrow after a first-half clash of heads with Yann Kermorgant.

Playing with a large bandage on his head and in a defence featuring two rookie full-backs, Josh Parker and David Mellor, on-loan Clarke was pleased with Athletic's efforts.

“Josh was outstanding,” said Clarke. “To say he has only played there once or twice in his career, to do a job at a place like Charlton is fantastic. We knew we would have to stand up to Charlton and get in their faces. It wasn’t a case of roughing them up, just not giving them time on the ball because they have good players who can hurt you.

“We knew we had to start brightly and we grew in confidence in the game and got the ball down as much as we could.”