OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, FLEETWOOD TOWN 0
Danny Philliskirk netted the all-important goal which earned Latics their first win of the season in Sky Bet League One.
But it was one of those days when Latics had to grind out a victory as Fleetwood were the better footballing side at SportsDirect.com Park.
That was something acknowledged by Latics’ manager Darren Kelly who admitted his side had lady lucky on their side, though they lost striker Jake Cassidy with a suspected broken ankle which is a blow for the summer signing who had looked lively.
Indeed, with better finishing the Cod Army could have been 3-0 ahead in the opening 15 minutes as Latics lived dangerously.
Fleetwood could have taken a lead inside two minutes when Antoni Sarcevic shot over from five yards.
Stephen Jordan then forced a fine save from Joel Coleman and Jamille Matt fired over and it looked only a matter of time before Fleetwood found the net.
And it got even worse when Cassidy hobbled off after only 12 minutes to be replaced by Rhys Turner who immediately fired a shot over the crossbar.
But it was Latics who stole ahead after 37 minutes Turner provided the flick that released Philliskirk who beat two defenders before finding the net with a strike into the far corner of the net.
The goal, which came against the run of play, had a settling effect on Latics who played with more composure in the remainder of the half, though Jordan went close for a second time for the Cod Army.
Fleetwood ought to have been on level terms early in the second half, but Bobby Grant hit his shot straight at keeper Coleman.
Latics should have moved 2-0 ahead when Lee Croft ballooned his shot from six yards over the crossbar from a Joseph Mills cross.
Fleetwood remained the more dangerous attacking force as Danny Andrews and Grant were both denied by Coleman, though they were relatively routine saves.
Latics, in fairness, defended well and the introduction of David Dunn, as substitute Turner was substituted, provided the experience and guile to help them hold on to their lead.
There was, however, one scare in stoppage time when Fleetwood had a shout for a penalty rejected after a claim that striker David Ball was fouled by Connor Brown.
Latics survived to pick up three points and move into the promotion play-off places, though only two league games have been played and it is a position 18 other clubs would gladly swop them for.