Football: Majestic Moran

Blackburn Rovers. . .1

Oldham Athletic . . .0

EVEN the much celebrated arrival of Alan Shearer, 20 minutes from the end, could not spare this match from slipping into the mire of the utterly forgettable: not so much a Lancashire hot-pot as a hotchpotch.

Blackburn just about deserved their customary victory over Oldham, and Kevin Moran undoubtedly deserved the distinction of match-winner. His ninth-minute header produced the only goal and he was familiarly and selflessly committed at the back.

Shearer might have eased Blackburn's nerves near the end, having anticipated Graeme Le Saux's punt forward, but he could not clear Paul Gerrard, the goalkeeper, who turned away the header. It was a moment in keeping with the rest of this offering: it had all the shape and poise of a school playground game.

Oldham, who started with one out-and-out striker - Olney the Lonely - brought on Andy Ritchie for the second half and finished with a flurry. Yet their most menacing shot was an overhit ball from Neil Pointon, which forced Bobby Mimms, Blackburn's goalkeeper, to tip over.

Moran, the 37-year-old warhorse, led by example. He judged his run and Tim Sherwood's free-kick with precision to head Blackburn in front. And when Oldham arrived in numbers at the other end, the Irishman averted the danger.

Flowing football was always at a premium: Jason Wilcox's low cross just eluded the lunge of Mike Newell, though Oldham's only genuine response of the first half was a long-range, dipping volley from Craig Fleming. Blackburn's Henning Berg made an important block from Richard Jobson and at the other end, David May headed over the crossbar. The stage was set for Shearer, but frankly, the match was not worthy of his familiar spectacular.

Shearer, anxious to prove himself, said: 'I was disappointed not to start the game. The only way I'm going to get much fitness is by playing matches.'

Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): B Mimms; H Berg, D May, K Moran, G Le Saux; S Ripley (A Shearer, 70 min), N Marker, T Sherwood, J Wilcox; K Gallacher, M Newell. Subs not used: M Atkins, F Talia (gk). Manager: K Dalglish.

Oldham Athletic (4-5-1): P Gerrard; C Fleming (A Ritchie, 55 min), R Jobson, S Redmond, N Pointon; G Halle, P Bernard, M Milligan, N Henry, N Adams; I Olney. Subs not used: M Brennan, J Hallworth (gk). Manager: J Royle.

Referee: J Worrall (Warrington).

Goal: Moran (1-0, 9 min).