OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, SCUNTHORPE UNITED 0
Lowly Oldham Athletic turned the Sky Bet League One form book upside down with a surprise win against leaders Scunthorpe United.
It was certainly against the odds as Latics were without a home win while the Iron had a mightily impressive away record.
But Latics emerged deserved winners thanks to goals late in the opening half from Freddie Ladapo and Lee Erwin secured three badly-needed points.
It was not enough to lift Latics out of the relegation places, however, as they must now use this victory as a catalyst to climb away from danger.
Manager Stephen Robinson made two changes from the side that started at Bolton Wanderers as Cameron Dummigan and Ladapo were handed starts while Brian Wilson and Billy Mckay lost out.
After a quiet opening, Scunthorpe went the close when former Latics loanee Sam Mantom’s shot was deflected wide.
Midway through the half, Ladapo had a strike from the edge of the box which forced a smart stop from goalkeeper Joe Anyon.
Latics also had a shout for penalty rejected by referee Darren England after Ryan Flynn went down in the box.
Five minutes later, Scunthorpe felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Neal Bishop tumbled to the ground.
Latics continued to dominate and deservedly took the lead on 42 minutes through Ladapo who created space for himself on the edge of the box before rifling a shot past Anyon.
As the fourth official announced one minute of additional time, Latics extended their lead through Erwin.
The striker was put clean through on goal and eluded a challenge before curling a shot wide of Anyon to make it 2-0.
Latics started the second half well, keeping possession and frustrating their opponents.
The Iron were forced to shoot from range as Mantom forced a decent save from Connor Ripley, while at the other end, Latics were still a threat.
After good work on the right, the ball sat up perfectly for Flynn to strike on the volley but Anyon pulled off a good save to deny the midfielder.
Robinson made changes to freshen up his team with Marc Klok and Darius Osei taking over from Carl Winchester and Ladapo.
With 10 minutes left, Latics could and maybe should have made it three with Flynn going close as he blazed over from close range.
Deep into additional time, Flynn’s magic almost paid off as his super run saw him get to the byline and David Mirfin almost put his cross into his own net as Latics finished on top.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord; Winchester (Klok 70), Fane, Green, Flynn; Erwin (Mckay 88), Ladapo (Osei 78). Subs (not used): Kettings, Wilson, Banks, Jahraldo-Martin.
Goals: Ladapo (42) and Erwin (45+1) for Oldham.
Attendance: 2,911 (394 visiting supporters)