Norwood limited to hour for Oldham as he continues recovery

The striker, who turns 34 next week, scored in only his second game since recovering from a calf tear, only to see his goal against Altrincham cancelled after he had been substituted.

In the two games Norwood has started, he has been brought off around the hour mark by Micky Mellon, with the Latics boss carefully managing the former Tranmere and Barnsley front man's return to first team action.

Norwood had looked unhappy at seeing his number put up by the fourth official, when Oldham made a triple substitution.

But while Mellon was pleased with Norwood's contribution and to see him get of the mark this season, he said he would not take any risks.

"He was frustrated to come off but we've got to be careful because we have to be scientific with it, if you like," said the Latics boss.

"But he's certainly getting fitter and I was delighted to see him score."

Norwood coolly -footed home after good work by Harry Charsley in the build-up.

James Norwood scored his first of the season in the 1-1 draw at Altrincham (Image: Thomas Lee Stacey)

Mellon added: "It was a good goal because we pressed them really well and we knew they would want to try to take chances and we knew if we got things right we would catch them, which we did a couple of times, so it was nice to see it go in.

"For about half an hour we were excellent, scored the goal and sort of settled on it.

"We wanted to just try to get hold of the ball and make passes and keep the foothold on the game, but it became a bit scrappy.

"We had to clear one off the line during that period.

"But we gave away a cheap goal and then missed three that you would expect to at the very least hit the target.

"We'll have to work on finishing, which we do, and speak about the importance of getting good contact and hitting the target.

"We need to do that again next week."