Match Report - Chesterfield 2 Oldham Athletic 1

The Northern final clash between these two League One outfits promised to be gutsy and passionate affair – and it didn’t disappoint – with both teams giving a determined and entertaining performance.

January 2012

Prior to kick-off, a number of Chesterfield supporters voiced concern about their team’s ability to keep a clean sheet, and their views were justified as Oldham should have taken the lead within the first minute when James Tarkowski headed wide from a free-kick.

Despite the hesitant start, Chesterfield managed to create a number of decent chances for themselves, with Scott Boden in particular stretching the Oldham defence with several runs through the channels.

The best chance of the half presented itself to Boden on 35 minutes, but he scuffed his shot despite an excellent cross from Gregor Robertson.

With honours even at the interval, it was difficult to separate the two teams on the number of clear cut chances in what was a fairly open half.

But the deadlock was broken four minutes into the second period when Scott Boden redeemed himself for his earlier miss with a clinical finish inside the box.

Oldham should have equalised within minutes, but former Newcastle United striker Shefki Kuqi blasted his penalty against the bar, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Paul Dickov’s men did eventually equalise with a fantastic long-range strike from Robbie Simpson, who had been causing real problems for Chesterfield’s defence.

Both teams then pushed for a winner, causing frantic end-to-end action and vocal support from both sets of supporters.

The winning goal came from a 66th minute penalty kick from Chesterfield’s Danny Whitaker, following James Tarkowski’s foul on Jack Lester.

From there Oldham pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find the back of the net.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Chesterfield manager John Sheridan said: "To come out of the game with an advantage going into the second leg is very pleasing for us and that's what we wanted.

"The work ethic and desire was different class and we created some really good chances."

Oldham boss Paul Dickov told BBC Radio Manchester: “"It's going to make for a really good game as they've got the problem of do they come and defend their lead, or do they come and attack?

"I'm disappointed with the goals we lost as it was basic things we didn't do right and we got punished.

"If we take the attacking side into the game in 10 days' time then I'm sure we'll be doing OK."

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