FOOTBALL-Hope thrilled to be back in scoring form

LONDON, CMC – Oldham Athletic’s Barbados international Hallam Hope said he was relieved to score again after recovering from “serious injuries” sustained in an assault last season following a game against Chesterfield.

The 29-year-old forward made his first start of the season last Saturday against Rochdale, scoring his first goal of the new season as Oldham won a seven-goal thriller, 4-3, away at Spotland Stadium.

Hope scored in the 63rd minute and then turned provider seven minutes later for James Norwood to complete an impressive outing.

“I don’t want to talk about [the assault], but it’s been difficult. There have been a lot of dark days, so to come in and be part of it with the new gaffer, it’s brilliant,” said Hope, who was sidelined for two months after the altercation in the parking lot at Boundary Park.

“I’m just glad I could be part of it again. I’m just looking to look forward, move on, and try to get a run going and score some goals and get Oldham and myself where we both belong.

“To start was massive for me, and even more so, to get the win and to score was great.”

He added: “It was a crazy game, to be honest, the scoreline shows that. I’m glad we won, and I scored, so that’s another positive.

“I’ve probably not played in a game like that. One minute, we were okay, and the next minute, they scored; it was a bit back and forth, so I’m just glad we got the win.

“It’s a proper derby. You can tell by the amount of fans we had here and the rivalry. It was just good to get the win for the fans.”

Hope had previously made only two outings this season, both cameo appearances off the bench in a 2-0 win over York and a 4-0 victory over Oxford.

With midfielder Brennan Dickenson out injured for the Rochdale game, new manager Micky Mellon handed Hope the start on a recommendation from new first-team coach Paul Murray.

“He’s a top guy, Muzza (Murray). I’ve worked with him before at Carlisle, and we worked well together. To have someone backing you like that is important,” Hope said.

“Coming back off international duty [with Barbados], I missed the first part of the week. I spoke to the gaffer on Thursday, which was positive for me.

“To come, play, and score for him [on Saturday] and get the three points is good.”