Oldham Trip Photos

 

A trip down to see Oldham Athletic, and Yes I would have got off the Waggon!

After Dundee's League Cup exit l decided to go down and see Oldham Athletic play Swindon Town. It was a 12:30 kick-off so we had to leave home on the Airport bus to Edinburgh at 03:30 in the morning. We arrived on time and got another bus in to the centre to catch the 06:13 train to Manchester Piccadilly.

It was a quick journey down and my good friend Malc and Sue got on at Lancaster as they live in Morecambe now.

We got the 182 bus to Oldham and the bus stops 5 minutes from Boundary Park, we had a couple of refreshments in the bar under the Joe Royle stand.

Oldham Athletic 1, Swindon Town 2, League Two, Boundary Park, 16-August-25

Latics got off to a poor start and lost a goal in 5 minutes, It looked bad and not being tight enough in defence. This gave Swindon a big lift and latics struggle under the pressure. Swindon scored again after 20 minutes with a well work goal , but terrible form Oldham view. 

On 34 minutes Latics responded to the second goal well and began to create chances. From Ryan Woods’ freekick from the right side, Joe Quigley rose but couldn’t keep his header down. 

Then ten minutes before the break, Latics pulled one back. Tom Conlon’s freekick was met by Joe Quigley, whose header was too much for a stretching Connor Ripley. 

The goal rallied Latics, with the hosts pressing for a leveller. Moments later, Conlon’s ball over the top set Jame Robson through and the wing-back was shoved to the floor, but referee Greg Rollason waved play on. 

Mike Fondop then came close, connecting with a header, but the former Latics ‘keeper Ripley got down to hold. 

With five minutes before the break, Princewill Ehibhatiomhan threatened for the Robins, flicking the ball over Donervon Daniels and finding space, but his effort was straight into the arms of Hudson. 

Second half and latics were much better and had a few attacks which was better to watch. The introduction of Kieron Morris on the hour-mark saw Mellon’s side switch back to a back four, as Latics went about equalising. 

Last week’s goalscorer Josh Hawkes came on to try and make an impact as the hosts tried to force a leveller. The Oldham number 21 whipped a cross into the area on the 72nd minute mark, which Ripley couldn’t keep hold of. However, nobody in Latics blue was there to pounce. 

With five minutes to go, Swindon had the chance to put the game to bed. Billy Bodin went down the right and put a cross into the area with Smith sliding in to connect with. From yards out, the Swindon frontman’s shot blazed over the bar. 

Latics thought they had the equaliser with one minute remaining. Ripley struggled to get something on Wood’s cross form the left and the ball dropped to Quigley inside the box. His effort was blocked on the line by a defender, with the referee waving away protests for a penalty. 

But time ran out and likely Swindon were just the better side, they played ok in the second half. But will need to get that first win the league to really start the season.

Oldham Athletic: Hudson; Sutton (Morris 61’), Daniels, Monthe; Ogle, Conlon ©, Woods, Robson; Hannant (Hawkes 69’); Fondop (Harratt 84’), Quigley. Unused Subs: Donaghy (GK), Drummond, Olson, Hammond.

Referee: Greg Rollason

Attendance: 6,955 

After the game we went back to Bar 1895 before our bus back to Piccadilly for our train to Lancaster. Things went quick and were back to Morecambe at 18:30 for a meal and a few drinks. Walked about done the Eric Morcambe statue.

After this Andrew and myself headed back to Malc's house on where we were staying the night. We got relaxed and had a few beers as we shared memories on when we first met in 1987 when Dundee and Oldham played in the Isle of Man Football Tourament. 

Next day we went to Lancaster where we had a walk about and had a beer in the Merchants 1688 which has a long history. Then after this we had a look at Lancaster Castle and Malc told us about the Pendle Witches which go back to 1612 when the trial happened. 

After being found guilty they would go on a waggon where they were taken down to The Golden Lion for their last drink before being hung in the gallows. 

Another famous local legend is that of the teetotal man who, after being condemned to death for his crimes, had refused his final drink at the Golden Lion. The story goes that had he stopped and taken his right to a last drink, he would have been in the Golden Lion when his pardon arrived by courier. As it was he had already been hanged by the time his pardon arrived…………Who says drinking is bad for you?

After that we had a quick pint and sat outside waiting on our train home. It was a fine way to end our trip, and thanks to Malc and Sue for looking after us so well.

Rangers 1, Dundee 1, Ibrox, William Hill Premiership, 9th August 2025

Dundee started with two changes from the Hibernian game. Drey Wright came in at right wing back and new signing Joe Westley made his debut in attack. Ethan Ingram and Emile Acquah moved to the bench.

Dundee started well and the defence looked to have a good shape. it took the home side until the 16th minute to get close to the Dundee goal, They never got a shot at goal to trouble Jon McCracken.

Dundee were working hard and gave Rangers very little space to  stop them getting behind the defence. Dundee themselves came close and after a Fin Robertson shot was blocked a great cross from Luke Graham was headed by Clark Robertson saw his header hit the inside of the post.

Four minutes later Clark Robertson hit the post again, but he had just been offside and the play was stopped. These few minutes were distinctly uncomfortable for the home support, and the game never got much easier for Rangers. Even when they were dominating possession and pushing Dundee back they were never truly in control. Dundee were defending superbly and frustrating Rangers at every turn.

Second half and McCracken had a comfy looking save early on, But on 51 minutes Dundee took the lead after a foul. Callum Jones floated the ball beyond the far post. Clark Robertson headed back and Ryan Astley scored with a precise header looping over Butland and dropping into the top corner.

Rangers hit back, but again Dundee done their job in superb fashion. Eight minutes later they dug themselves into an even deeper hole when they went down to 10 men. Dundee broke out of defence and with Rangers expecting Joe Westley to lay the ball back to a midfielder the Dee striker used strength and skill to take two Rangers players out of the game and send Fin Robertson clear. Nasser Djiga brought him down and showed no surprise when referee Don Robertson pulled out the red card.

Rangers did come into the game and Dundee managed to clear the ball well, and Jon McCracken made a couple of good saves to deny them.

As time was running late Tony Yogane came on for Joe Westley, then Emile Acquah replaced Ash Hay. Many of the home fans had vanished when Rangers finally got the break they hardly deserved as the clock was ticking past the 90 minute mark.

But on the 92nd minute Rangers were awarded a debatable spot kick when Gassama got half passed Drey Wright, grabbed the Dee’s shirt, and went sprawling. It looked a plausible penalty claim in real time, but far less so on closer video inspection.

They scored from the spot to level the game, 6 minutes later they scored again but rightly so Dressers was offside which the lineman missed, 

The final whistle blew soon after and Dundee left Ibrox with a well deserved point. Really it should have been three points as my view it was never a penalty after the Var check.

The Dundee players went over to the Dundee support who cheered them off the park on which they fully deserved,

Next up is Kilmarnock away in two weeks which l have holidays for and will be able to go. 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Clark Robertson (c), Graham, Wright, Jones (Koumetio 90+3), Digby, Fin Robertson, Samuels (Donnelly 90+3), Westley (Yogane 66),Hay (Acquah 82). Unused Subs: Carson (gk), Ingram, Galabov, Allan, Crombie.

Referee: Don Robertson.

Att: 48,958.

Dundee Sign Yan Dhanda

Dundee have signed midfielder Yan Dhanda on a season-long loan from Heart of Midlothian. There were a few clubs interested but Yan chose Dundee after talking to ex team mate Simon Murray and Manager Steven Pressley.

Dhanda started at the youth academy at West Bromwich Albion before moving to the academy at Liverpool. In 2018, he moved to Swansea City and scored on his debut with his first touch in a 2-1 win against Sheffield United.

After 63 appearances and 5 goals for the Swans, Dhanda made the move to Scotland in 2022, signing for Ross County. During his two seasons with the Staggies, he made a name for himself in Scottish football with his impressive creative play. In Dingwall, he played 79 times, scored 12 goals and had 18 assists. Last season, he played 33 times for Hearts in all competitions, scoring twice.

He will wear No 21 for the Dark Blues.

Dundee Sign Striker Joe Westley

Dundee FC have signed striker Joe Westley on a three-year deal from Burnley after both clubs agreed terms. The transfer is subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old joins the Dee after spending the second part of last season on loan at Swindon Town, where he played 17 times and scored 3 goals in League Two. There was much interest from a number of English teams in Westley, but he has opted to move north of the border and sign for Dundee.

Westley has come through the youth academy at Burnley and signed his first professional contract in January 2023, and played for the Under 18’s and 21’s. His first loan move was to AFC Fylde in the National League in January 2024, where he played 13 times, scoring 3 times. He then had a short loan spell at Rochdale before his move to Swindon.

Dundee 1, Hibernian 2, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 03-August-25

Dundee started with news that Simon Murray was out today, and replaced by Ash Hay. Ryan Astley, Ethan Ingram, Paul Digby, and Fin Robertson, who came on as substitutes against last week, retained their places with Plamen Galabov, Drey Wright, Cesar Garza, and Tony Yogane switching to the bench.

The visitors were Hibernian who finished the season well, so it will be a tough game for the dark blues.

Both teams struggled in the first 30 minutes, with Hibs having a lot of the ball. But not causing a solid looking dee defence any bother.

But that changed in a three minute spell when Hibs scored twice to take control of the game, The second one was poor from Dundee.

But at least Dundee hit back to score when Finlay Robertson scored with a fine finish after good play and pass from Ash Hay to give Dundee fans some much needed hope for the second half.

Second half and both teams struggled to get going. It was the story of the game, Hibs were not great but better than Dundee who struggled in Midfield and upfront.

Next up is a trip to Ibrox so all the pressure are on the home team.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Robertson (c), Graham, Ingram (Donnelly 80), Jones (Wright 80), Digby, Fin Robertson,  Samuels (Garza 85), Acquah (Yogane 80), Hay. Unused Subs: Carson (gk), Koumetio,  Galabpv,  Lopez,  Allan.

Referee: David Dickinson

Att: 7,825

Dundee 5, Montrose 0, Dens Park, League Cup Group C, 26th July 2025

Dundee got off to a perfect start scoring early doors thanks to a penalty after Garza was fouled in the box. Up stepped Simon Murray to score with ease senting the keeper the wrong way.

It settled the team and they played some neat football with only the finish was missing. Montrose had a few break aways but never troubled Dundee too much.

Dundee went on to take control of the game and ought to have added more goals. Luke Graham headed over at a corner and should perhaps have scored. A lovely pass inside the right back by Tony Yogane freed Imari Samuels, but his low cross was inches too far ahead of Simon Murray in front of goal. Emile Acquah managed to wriggle and bulldoze his way through a hesitant defence but Clark blocked the shot.

The last 20 minutes of the half Dundee lost their way and too many passes went astray and the half ended 1-0.

Dundee made two changes at half time. Ryan Astley and Paul Digby came on for Plamen Galabov and Callum Jones. The switch of Astley and Galabov made sense. The Bulgarian defender had been booked and there had been too much space between him on the right of central defence and Drey Wright at right wing back. That had opened the way for Montrose to exploit the space behind Wright and send crosses into the Dee penalty area. The change improved Dundee’s shape and tightened both the defence and midfield.

Dundee just like the first half scored early and put the game to bed. Yogane showed good close control and strength to get away from two Montrose players on the halfway line. He sent Acquah away to run on and shoot. Clark parried, but straight to Simon Murray , who was six yards out facing an open goal. 2-0.

Ash Hay came on for Emile Acquah on the hour mark. But Montrose still had a go and put in two dangerous crosses which went too close.

But Simon Murray went off soon after and was replaced by Ethan Ingram. Hopefully his injury is not too bad. Fin Robertson moved more forward.

But Dundee scored three times in the last 10 minutes, first Clark Robertson scored after Motrose failed to clear on 81mins. The next goal was a good header home by Ryan Astley after good play from Garza and Graham.

And the final goal was when another good ball in from Samuels was knocked into the net by Luke Graham to make the final score 5-0 Dundee.

They were much better second half and the league starts next Sunday when Hibernian visit Dens Park.

Dundee: Jon McCracken, Plamen Galabov (Ryan Astley at half time), Clark Robertson, Luke Graham,Drey Wright, Callum Jones (Paul Digby at half time), Cesar Garza, Imari Samuels, Tony Yogane (Finlay Robertson 71), Simon Murray (c) (Ethan Ingram 76), Emile Acquah (Ash Hay 60). Unused Subs: Harry Sharp (gk), Billy Koumetio, Aaron Donnelly, PVictor Lopez

Referee: Duncan Nicolson.

Att: 1,808.