Barnsley's biggest home crowd of the season turned out to see if the Reds could bounce back from the disappointing defeat at Vale Park.

Dean Gorre was presented with a last minute opportunity to put the Reds back on top of the league but the Dutchman struck his penalty against the crossbar.

It was a let off for Oldham who deserved a share of the spoils in any case.  Indeed the visitors were the better side in the first half with striker Zola looking good up front and veteran John Sheridan holding things together in midfield.

Gorre returned to the side at the expense of Austin whilst Hayward replaced O'Callaghan.  These were Thordarson's only chances from the disappointing defeat at Port Vale on Saturday.

In a change to the formation Kevin Betsy was asked to play up front alongside Rory Fallon with the Reds playing a 4-4-2 formation.

Ilic was called into action as early as the first minute when he had to clear from Murray at the edge of his area.

At the other end, Pogliacomi was called into the action after half an hour with Barnsley's first real effort on goal.  Gorre's cross found Fallon which brought a good save from the Latics 'keeper.

Barnsley boss Thordarson certainly said the right things at the interval as his team started the second half in a more positive fashion.

Barnsley's goal on 61 minutes was quite splendid.  The passing was slick across the field until it reached Gorre who played in Lumsdon. He took the ball in his stride and slammed it home off the far post.

However, Barnsley's lead lasted just four minutes.  The Reds defence allowed Zola to pick up the ball and he picked out Vernon to fire home from close range.

Crooks wasted a good scoring opportunity on 78 minutes from Gorre's free-kick with a draw now looking on the cards.

Holden pushed Fallon in the 90th minute and pointed to the spot.  With the scene set for Gorre to become the hero again, he wasted the opportunity to put the Reds back on top.

Barnsley: Ilic, Crooks, Gallimore, Ireland, Handyside, Lumsdon, Hayward, Kay, Gorre, Betsy and Fallon.

Attendance: 10,102