OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3, SCUNTHORPE UNITED 2
Danny Philliskirk came off the bench to score twice, his first goals of the season, to help Oldham Athletic come from behind to beat Scunthorpe United at home in Sky Bet League One.
The striker’s double was also the key for Latics extending their unbeaten run in league and cup to seven games.
And a great deal of credit went to manager Lee Johnson for bringing on Philliskirk at the break for Dominic Poleon, a move which transformed their fortunes.
Johnson kicked off with the side which drew at Notts County last weekend with Jonathan Forte fit to play against his former club.
Latics’ keeper Paul Rachubka pulled off a great save to tip a 25-yard drive from Rory Fallon over the crossbar.
It was only a temporary reprieve as Andrew Boyce headed home the resulting corner from Gary McSheffrey.
Latics were on level terms within three minutes when Mike Jones threaded a great through ball to Forte to slot home his sixth goal of the season.
And they so nearly took the lead when Jones had a terrific drive from 25-yard which was brilliantly tipped over the bar by keeper Bobby Olejnic.
The Iron regained the lead 10 minutes before the break when Paddy Madden set up Fallon to shoot past Rachubka.
And Latics’ woes continued when George Elokobi limped off just before the break as he was replaced by Genseric Kusunga.
Latics equalised for a second time midway through the second half when Brian Wilson broke from defence and cut the ball back for Philliskirk to score and open his account for the season.
Loan-striker Conor Wilkinson had two great chances to put Latics ahead before Philliskirk struck again with the decisive blow of the match.
Liam Kelly’s free kick was headed back into the box by James Wilson and Philliskirk popped up at the far post to head home the match-winning goal..