Net profit
Date published: 14 November 2013
CALL ME NUMBER ONE . . . Mark Oxley is currently fending off strong competition from Paul Rachubka.
Latics feeling benefit of competition for goalkeeper’s jersey
ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson might have some injury concerns among his squad as a hectic fixture schedule beckons, but the last line of defence is a position that appears to be in rude health.
The club’s number one so far this term has been Mark Oxley.
He has looked assured since his summer season-long loan switch from Hull City, while his deputy – veteran Paul Rachubka – has also shone when handed his two opportunities, the latest of which came on Tuesday when the former Manchester United stopper produced some excellent saves in the 5-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win against Notts County.
All in all, it’s a position Athletic’s goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms is clearly taking satisfaction from.
Mimms (50), who admits his own playing days are definitely over, said: “All goalkeepers learn from each other, and that’s what’s happening here.
“Mark and Paul look strong, and obviously we’ve also got Luke Simpson and Joel Coleman at the club – every goalkeeper has got their own strengths and weaknesses.
“They always work as a tight group, so that particular position is looking very good.”
Former Everton, Spurs and Blackburn star Mimms feels Athletic have generally impressed so far this term in Sky Bet League One, and a push for promotion should not be ruled out.
Mimms added: “I think we’ve performed okay in the majority of the games.
“Obviously we were very disappointed with every aspect of the Notts County defeat last month, but in most fixtures we have competed and given ourselves a chance of winning and getting points we undoubtedly need.
“When we’re good, we’re as good as anybody in the division and we’re as free-flowing as anybody.
“We’ve just got to produce that form more regularly, and score more goals, of course.
“We’re not conceding loads of goals, but we’re possibly not scoring enough in the league and not sharing them around enough.
“If we put that right then I think we are capable of challenging for the play-offs later in the season.
“All our games have been tight and we have always had chances, and that’s against some of the top teams in the division, too.”
simonsmedley@oldham-chronicle.co.uk
