Oldham thrown by late drama

If he does become the next Oldham manager Paul Scholes will find something to work with – but no FA Cup run to continue after a controversial late penalty decision denied the League Two side a replay.

The Manchester United legend has been heavily linked with a move into the dugout with the club he supported as a child and could well take over later this week.

Oldham had looked set to take Doncaster back to Boundary Park after Peter Clarke calmly fired home in the 84th minute to cancel out Ben Whiteman’s deflected second-half opener.

However, with a rematch in Lancashire looming, captain Clarke was harshly adjudged to have handballed after the ball hit the bar in a goalmouth scramble. Referee Peter Bankes pointed to the spot. Whiteman did the rest.

The result was harsh on the Latics and their caretaker manager Pete Wild, an Oldham fan who has been in charge since Frankie Bunn was sacked on December 27.

‘I’ve seen it back and it’s not a penalty,’ a visibly angered Wild said. ‘It’s as clear as day, it’s not a penalty.’ We live in the wonderful world of officials. I’ll leave it there.’

To make matters worse, Clarke was then dismissed as Oldham frantically chased another leveller in stoppage time for a challenge on Rovers keeper Marko Marosi.

‘Their keeper has got him sent off by rolling around with his antics,’ added Wild.

‘We will have to decide if we will appeal.’

Scholes, who lives in Oldham, is thought to have already made it clear that he will not take the gig should such alleged meddling continue. He will at least be able to rely on tremendous support. Close to 4,000 visiting fans gave their side huge backing but will have been frustrated on their journey back across the Pennines.

No such emotions for Doncaster and Grant McCann, who has become the second manager to lead the club to the last-16 after fellow Northern Irishman Peter Doherty did likewise in 1956. ‘It’s nice to hear,’ McCann said. ‘1956 was the year my dad was born and he was here today. Maybe it’s an omen?’