Oldham 0 Peterborough 0

Last updated : 04 January 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Barry Fry answered a few of his critics by masterminding a surprise away point for Peterborough at Oldham.

There have been strong calls for Fry to quit struggling Posh, but his side stood firm to earn their deserved draw. Defensive tactics did the trick as Oldham failed to create clear chances in a disappointing match.

The Latics boast league football's only unbeaten record away from home but they are struggling to back it up at Boundary Park.

Fry said: "The lads worked very hard and defended very well. Everyone stuck to their jobs and a lot of them came out with a lot of credit especially Jimmy Bullard, who was outstanding in midfield.

"We also had a couple of opportunities ourselves with a team that was thrown together a little bit because of all our injuries.

"Oldham have been in very good form so it was a hard game but all the lads stuck together and we were worth a point." Oldham manager Iain Dowie was disappointed with the stalemate admitting: "We didn't have the energy which got us big wins in our last two games against Crewe and Tranmere.

"There was a lack of movement in all areas and brightness when we had the ball, plus we kept trying to do the same things when it wasnÂ’t coming off.

"I see it as two points thrown away, although full credit to Peterborough for defending well." Posh altered their system after winger Dave Farrell hurt his knee getting off the team bus and they went into the game with three centre-backs.

The trio worked solidly as a unit and when keeper Lee Harrison was needed he did everything asked of him.

Oldham had a penalty appeal after five minutes when Mark Arber appeared to handle, while Harrison kept out a free-kick from veteran winger David Eyres.

Canadian striker Carlo Corazzin didn't connect cleanly with a chance 12 yards out and his strike partner Wayne Andrews fired wide after the break.

The second half was a dull affair with Oldham having one opportunity which Harrison saved from Chris Killen.

Peterborough's only chance was a break which Gareth Jelleyman didn't quite get on the end of.