LINCOLN CITY 3, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2
It was one of the darkest days in Oldham Athletic’s recent history as they lost at non-league Lincoln City in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.
After beating Liverpool and holding Everton in the not-too-distant past, this was a humiliating reverse, especially as Lincoln built a 3-0 lead.
And despite Latics’ spirited fightback, the damage sustained earlier in the night was too great to repair as they crashed out to a side two divisions below them.
Latics conceded two goals from Theo Robinson and Terry Hawkridge in quick succession midway through the opening half.
They desperately needed a good start to the second period only to fall further behind within two minutes of the restart when Robinson struck again.
When goals from Peter Clarke and Billy Mckay cut the deficit to 3-2 with 17 minutes left, Oldham sensed a great escape. But despite having a host of chances, they were unable to find an equaliser.
Manager Stephen Robinson surprisingly made five changes from the side which drew 2-2 with Port Vale two weeks ago.
Lincoln could have been awarded an early penalty as Jamie Reckord appeared to handle the ball in the box.
Hawkridge forced a good save from Connor Ripley as Lincoln remained a threat.
Latics had a great chance to take the lead when Freddie Ladapo knocked the ball past the post. And they were made to pay as the Imps took the lead midway through the half.
Matt Rhead headed into the path of Robinson who made no mistake from inside the six yard box to put the National League side ahead.
Two minutes later and Lincoln extended their lead through Hawkridge as the winger intercepted a poor pass from Carl Winchester and he confidently slotted past Ripley.
Robinson almost made it three to Lincoln on the half hour mark but his shot from close range went over the crossbar.
Latics needed a response and Ladapo, Ollie Banks and Ryan McLaughlin all had half chances to reduce the deficit.
The hosts almost made it three on the stroke of half time but Robinson struck wide from inside the penalty area after being sent clear.
Latics had an early opportunity in the second half as Paul Green volleyed wide from 25 yards but were made to pay for that miss as Lincoln immediately made it three when Robinson seized on a loose ball and lifted the ball over Ripley.
Latics almost got an instant response as Winchester fired wide from 25 yards but two minutes later he was substituted by Lee Croft.
Just after the hour mark, Lee Erwin curled towards the top corner but Paul Farman in the Lincoln goal was equal to the effort and tipped it over the crossbar.
Mckay was brought on after 66 minutes and added some pace to the attack.
Latics gave themselves a glimmer of hope with 20 minutes left when Clarke headed home at the back post.
Three minutes later and Latics were back in the game as substitute Mckay made it 3-2. Erwin flicked the ball into the path of the Wigan Athletic loanee and he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
The momentum was suddenly with Oldham Athletic as Croft’s 25-yard drive was saved by Farnan while from the resulting corner Ladapo headed over from six yards.
Latics continued to press for the leveller as Cameron Burgess headed wide and Banks also went close, but it was not to be as Lincoln earned a third-round tie at Ipswich Town.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord (Mckay 66); Winchester (Croft 55), Green, Banks, McLaughlin; Erwin, Ladapo (Osei 77). Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Dunne, Fane.
Goals: Robinson 22, 47, Hawkridge 24 for Lincoln. Clarke 70, Mckay 73 for Oldham.
Attendance: 7,012 (415 visiting supporters)