OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, MILTON KEYNES DONS 3

Oldham Athletic’s tale of woe continued as they were neaten at home by Milton Keynes Dons, their sixth defeat in seven Sky Bet League One matches as they continued to plummet down the table.

It was another deeply disappointing night as Latics were dealt another injury blow as  on-loan goalkeeper Jake Kean limped off with a knee injury.

That leaves Latics with possibly having nine absentees for Saturday’s league game at Crewe.

And the only cheer was a late goal from teenager Rhys Turner, his first for the club.

Latics, with another depleted line up, were lucky not to fall behind early in the game when Dons’ striker Will Grigg seized on an error from Kean and rounded the keeper before striking an upright when he ought to have scored.

The dangerous Grigg  was denied for a second time when Kean pulled off a super save as Dons remained on top.

And it was no surprise when Dons took a 25th minute lead after a defensive mix up allowed Samir Carruthers to let in Dean Bowditch who made no mistake.

Latics then had a decent spell in which top scorer Jonathan Forte had a shot well saved by David Martin.

But it was Dons who doubled their advantage after 37 minutes when Kean parried a shot from Carruthers, but only to Daniel Powell who bundled the ball over the line.

Latics, who had played Connor Brown in a midfield role to combat the threat from Powell, took off the full back at the break as he was replaced by Danny Philliskirk.

And early in the second period they were forced to make another change when Kean was forced off and replaced by youngster Joel Coleman who was making his senior debut.

Latics, despite their best efforts to get back into the game, conceded a third goal midway through the second period to end their hopes of a comeback.

Ben Reeves curled in a free kick into the top corner from 25 yards, a goal worthy of winning any game.

Grigg had a chance to add a fourth goal before Latics finally got a consolation goal with 10 minutes left when Turner found the net with a confident finish.

Turner had another chance while in stoppage time Forte had a shot well saved by Martin as Latics at least finished on the front foot.