Laurent Banide disappointed by Oldham’s concentration levels

Posted Wednesday, September 18, 2019 by PA

Oldham boss Laurent Banide criticised his side’s concentration levels as they squandered a two-goal advantage for the second game running at Scunthorpe.

Two strikes in as many minutes from Christopher Missilou and Johan Branger had the Latics in the ascendancy at Glanford Park.

But just as Grimsby did at the weekend, the Iron came back, with Matthew Lund and Kevin Van Veen netting to earn the hosts a point.

“We are very frustrated, like after the last game,” Banide said.

“We went 2-0 up but after that, we only got a draw – which makes me very sad and very angry.

“We lost control of the game and if we want to have ambition and take points, we need to have more concentration. It’s a bad result and I am frustrated.

“We played well until the second goal but we finished at 2-0 and we were maybe lucky after that that we didn’t lose the game.

“We must continue to play and create space. For 65 or 70 minutes it was okay, but after it was no good – we have to play for 90 minutes, otherwise all that work is for nothing.”

After an open first half, Missilou slotted home to finish off a flowing Latics move by giving his side the lead in the 62nd minute and Branger’s drive two minutes later flew under the body of keeper Rory Watson to quickly double their advantage.

Scunthorpe got back in the game with Lund converting from close range following a cross from the right with 68 minutes gone and van Veen capped an impressive individual performance by drilling a shot into the far corner from a tight angle.

After losing six of their first seven league matches, the Iron are now unbeaten in two. Small steps in terms of progress, but ones boss Paul Hurst nevertheless is pleased to have made.

“I’m pleased that we didn’t lose the game after winning on Saturday,” he said.

“I’m delighted to take something after being 2-0 down, but I’m disappointed for the players that after being in the ascendancy we were behind.

“In possession Oldham will cause teams problems, but they’ve maybe got issues in terms of protecting a lead.

“The manner of the second goal could have knocked us right off-kilter and earlier in the season I’m not sure we’d have got the response that we did. But credit to the players for the spirit they showed to come back.

“I’ve said to them that that’s the sort of spirit and character I want to represent me first and foremost, and also the football club.

“I know the fans want to see us win a game, but I don’t think they can fault the effort.

“Getting a point builds a little run and now we’ve got to extend that.”