OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, CHESTERFIELD 0
Super-sub Mike Jones scored a spectacular late winner as Oldham Athletic ground out an important victory against fellow strugglers Chesterfield in their pursuit of Sky Bet League One survival.
It looked like Latics would have to settle for a point at home to the Spireites when Jones came to their rescue with a stunning striker to earn three valuable points.
Yet despite an excellent run of only two defeats in 12 league games, Latics remain in the relegation places with eight games left.
And it is beginning to look as though Latics, with 41 points, will need at least 50 to stay in the division.
Anthony Gerrard was back after illness while Timothee Dieng moved from centre back to midfield to cover for loanee Matt Palmer who was not allowed to play against his parent club as was Thiele.
Latics had the better of the chances in the opening period that lacked quality as the teams cancelled out one another.
They almost took the lead when Holloway’s volley from six yards flew wide of Tommy Lee’s goal, a 25-yard drive from Palmer flew wide of the upright as did a Holloway header as Latics began to pepper the Burton goal.
There was controversy on the half hour when Curtis Main burst through on goal only to be brought down by Tom Anderson. He was handed a yellow card but it could easily have been red.
Jonathan Forte was a threat while Ian forced a fine save from Lee low to his left.
Forte had a good chance early in the second half, but headed wide.
There was a blow just before the hour when Holloway left the pitch on a stretcher with his leg in a brace having damaged his ankle.
He was replaced by Jones, and it was to turn out to have a pivotal bearing on the outcome of the game with 10 minutes left.
Jones was given possession in the midfield, beat an opponent and fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner to win the game for Latics.
It could have been even better for Latics straight from the kick off when substitute Timmy Thiele lobbed Lee from distance but the keeper got back on his line in time to tip over.
Chesterfield began to apply pressure late in the game in pursuit of an equaliser, Jay O’Shea having a shot blocked by Liam Kelly.
Latics were dealt a second injury blow in stoppage time when Thiele was taken off with what was later discovered to be a dislocated shoulder as the price of victory was achieved at a cost with two players sustaining serious injuries.