ROCHDALE 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Nearly 2,000 visiting fans voiced their displeasure at the final whistle following Oldham Athletic’s derby defeat at Rochdale.
It was a case of going down with a whimper, something their supporters found unacceptable against their arch rivals.
Had it not been for the heroics of keeper Connor Ripley, it would have been a far heavier loss at the Crown Oil Arena as Latics remain rooted in the relegation places in Sky Bet League One.
And there was a further twist as it was former Latics’ loanee Matty Lund who was Dale’s matchwinner.
But Latics were again punished for their lack of firepower as they fired another blank – they have managed a measly nine goals in 16 league games, and that is why they are at the foot of the table.
Manager Stephen Robinson’s one change from the home defeat inflicted by Bristol Rovers was the recall of Ryan McLaughlin for Carl Winchester on the right of midfield.
After Ripley held onto a deflected Nathaniel Mendez-Laing effort, Latics almost went in front when Paul Green’s cross found Freddie Ladapo, but he could not connect properly with his volley.
Latics had the ball in the net midway through the first half but centre-back Peter Clarke was adjudged to be offside from a free kick.
Minutes later, the home side almost took the lead as Joe Bunney’s free kick was destined for the top corner but Ripley managed to acrobatically tip the ball onto the crossbar.
Rochdale began to dominate, but Latics had their first real shot of the game after 35 minutes when Lee Erwin created space for himself on the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Josh Lillis saved well.
The deadlock was broken after 41 minutes when Lund, who had a shot blocked by Cameron Burgess one minute earlier, made no mistake.
Calvin Andrew had space on the left and his low cross found Lund and he fired into the far corner to give Dale the lead.
Latics responded well to going a goal behind and forced two good chances to get back on level terms as Freddie Ladapo and Clarke both forced decent saves from Lillis.
Robinson made a change at half time as Billy Mckay replaced Ladapo and Latics started the second half brightly.
Latics maybe should have equalised after 55 minutes through Mckay as Paul Green found the striker at the front post but his header went over the crossbar.
For all their dominance in the second period, Latics had to be wary of the break and they were almost made to pay after 57 minutes as Mendez-Laing got behind the defence, but Ripley saved.
Latics continued to press Rochdale in a bid to get something out of the game and with only 20 minutes remaining, Erwin almost found a stunning leveller.
The striker turned 35 yards from goal, and hit a spectacular volley which was destined for the top corner, but it flew inches wide.
Latics had to be aware defensively with Callum Camps forcing a good save from Ripley while not long afterlater, Clarke was forced into a last-ditch tackle to deny Joe Thompson.
Erwin had a golden opportunity to equalise with only five minutes of the game remaining as he turned three men in the area but his weak shot was saved.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord; McLaughlin, Fane (Jahraldo 90), Green (Winchester 73), Flynn; Erwin, Ladapo (Mckay 46). Subs (not used): Kettings, Wilson, Banks, Osei.
Goals: Lund 41 for Rochdale.
Attendance: 5,204 (1,995 visitors).