Jamal Campbell-Ryce's second-half strike gave Sheffield United a share of the spoils against Oldham Athletic at Bramall Lane this afternoon.
Jose Baxter almost got the Blades off to a perfect start when his shot after 35 seconds needed to be stopped by Paul Rachubka.
Oldham had early chances to take the lead themselves as Jabo Ibehre's strike was saved by Mark Howard and Genseric Kusunga fired narrowly wide.
On 16 minutes, the Latics did edge in front through Jonathan Forte after Daniel Johnson's pinpoint cross.
Lee Johnson's men almost made it 2-0 just before half time when Danny Philliskirk's rasping drive from distance brought a fine save out of Howard.
Kusunga flashed a close-range strike just wide in the early stages of the second half and United made Oldham pay for their missed opportunities when Campbell-Ryce netted for the hosts on 63 minutes.
Chris Basham almost gave the Blades a lead, but was denied by Rachubka as both teams continued to press.
Any hopes of an Oldham victory were all but ended when Ibehre was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
However, the Latics held on for a draw to stay within three points of United in the top half of the table.
Chris O'Keefe
