Oldham 2 Doncaster Rovers 2: Rovers rescue draw through Coppinger

Strikes from Jabo Ibehre and George Elokobi looked to have put the hosts out of sight after a difficult week endured by Oldham due to the Ched Evans saga.

But the sending-off of former Rovers loanee Joe Mills and a goal from substitute Nathan Tyson made for a dramatic finish.

Just when it seemed as though the home side were going to defy Rovers, James Coppinger dribbled through a crowded area and his shot found the far corner.

“We knew it was going to be a tough, tough game,” said Rovers’ manager Paul Dickov. “They’ve had a tough week and we knew they were going to come out flying at us. We were really angry at half-time because we spoke at length about how they would come at us and get their fans up. But we contributed to our own downfall. We made too many mistakes.”

There was plenty of controversy during the game with questions over Oldham’s second goal, Mills’s dismissal and Tyson’s strike.

Mills was sent off only after referee Carl Boyeson consulted both of his assistants, the player having put in a hefty challenge on Coppinger.

Rovers scored just three minutes later, Tyson and goalkeeper Paul Rachubka both falling to the ground after an aerial challenge, and Tyson then hooking the ball over the line.

Oldham Athletic: Rachubka, Brian Wilson, James Wilson, Elokobi, Mills, Kelly, Winchester (Mellor 78), Jones, Philliskirk, Forte (Morgan-Smith 82), Ibehre. Unused substitutes: Brown, Dieng, Dayton, Poleon, Coleman.

Doncaster Rovers: Johnstone, Wabara, Butler, McCullough (Wakefield 78), Stevens, Keegan, Coppinger, Wellens, Bennett (Tyson 60), Forrester, Robinson (Main 60). Unused substitutes: McCombe, Marosi, De Val Fernandez, Middleton.

Referee: C Boyeson (E Yorkshire).

Man of the match: James Coppinger.