OLDHAM looked to be heading to their first home victory of the season until Dean Saunders, who has found his old striking touch, got a well-deserved equaliser for Villa in the 51st minute.

Oldham were awarded a third-minute free kick when Paul McGrath pushed Andy Ritchie but Neil Adams's 25-yard effort was easily dealt with by McGrath.

Villa won a free-kick in the ninth minute when Oldham's Mike Milligan fouled Andy Townsend but Gordon Cowans' chip into the box was comfortably cleared.

But in the 14th minute Oldham stunned Villa by taking the lead. Milligan and Graham Sharp combined well to create an opening for Norwegian international Gunnar Halle, who blasted the ball into the net from six yards out.

Villa hit back in the 21st minute to create their best chance of the game. Cowans released Guy Whittingham but the £1.2 million signing from Portsmouth lifted his shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later Steve Staunton sent Dean Saunders away but his 20-yard shot was superbly saved by diving Oldham 'keeper John Hallworth.

Oldham, thankful for the let-off, bounced back and a 35-yard chip from Ritchie almost caught Mark Bosnich off his line, but the Villa 'keeper managed to recover to save under the bar.

Villa opened up Oldham's defence in the 31st minute but Kevin Richardson wasted the opportunity by putting a 20-yard shot well wide.

Two minutes later Oldham's leading scorer Paul Bernard blasted a similar chance over the bar at the other end.

Villa got the ball in the net in the 37th minute through Whittingham but his header was ruled offside.

Oldham's defence came under increasing pressure but they held out for a narrow half-time lead.

The second half was delayed for a few minutes for a change of referee. Match official Howard King felt unwell with stomach pains during the interval and was replaced by senior linesman Eric Hannah.

Three minutes after the restart Villa almost drew back on level terms. Cowans found Whittingham unmarked inside the box but only a timely tackle by Andy Barlow saved the day for Oldham.

In the 50th minute Saunders let another chance go begging when he fired a shot over the bar.

But a minute later he made no mistake when he ran into the six-yard box to head home a Ray Houghton cross for a well-deserved equaliser.