Tony Mowbray frustrated as Blackburn fail to get past Oldham

Posted Sunday, February 11, 2018 by PA

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray cut a frustrated figure despite his side’s fightback to earn a point from a 2-2 draw against struggling 10-man Oldham Athletic.

Rovers were on their way to a second-straight loss following Duckens Nazon’s fine first-half brace – his first goals for the club.

However, the hosts battled back through Charlie Mulgrew’s 12th of the season 63 minutes in, and birthday boy Adam Armstrong’s first Rovers goal which clinched a point.

Wilfried Moimbe saw red for Latics late on and, although Rovers could not force a winner, they moved to within a point of second place.

However, Mowbray was frustrated his side could not capitalise on their rivals’ – leaders Wigan and Shrewsbury’s – defeats.

He said: “The overriding emotion is one of frustration, disappointment.

“There was a bit of frustration at dressing room at half-time. We needed to make some changes, needed to change the direction and fluency of the game, and huge credit to the players. They went out there and did it.

“To score the equaliser with enough time to get a winner, that’s the frustration for us really. We needed to be patient and keep the ball a bit more, especially after they went down to 10 men.

“That said, Jack Payne had a great strike that the keeper tipped over, Armstrong had a header that probably clipped the outside of the post. Frustrating, but we take the point.

“You come in here and see your closest rivals have lost games, it sort of compounds the frustration a little bit, but it’s a point closer. (We’ve) Still got a third of the season to go.”

Oldham extended their winless away league run to 10 games – their last victory on the road coming in September – and they remain in the relegation zone.

Latics boss Richie Wellens described the game as “bittersweet” and felt Blackburn’s first goal changed the game.

He said: “It’s bittersweet really.

“I think it was a great advert for League One football. Both teams played really well. Some great football, energy, passion, commitment and real quality. If you asked me before the game if I’d liked a point, I probably would have taken it.

“You have to give them credit for coming back into the game. You’ve just got to respect that they changed and cause you problems. I thought everyone was outstanding.

“We were always going to come and play football. At 2-0, you’re comfortable and just want to get through that first 20 minutes of the second half but a centre half in League One with a sweet left foot, sticks it in the top corner and it’s a great strike.

“It was the changing moment of the game because our mentality changed a bit and theirs did. But I thought it was a really good game.”