MANSFIELD TOWN 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Oldham Athletic suffered further embarrassment – some may call it humiliation – as they crashed out of the Checkatrade Trophy at Mansfield Town.
If the FA Cup loss at non-league Lincoln City wasn’t bad enough, this wasn’t far behind as Latics were beaten by mid-table League Two opponents.
Latics, who have failed to score in 17 of 24 league games, fired another blank while the Stags rutted their way to victory through two late headed goals from Pat Hoban.
And it heaped more pressure on manager Stephen Robinson who vowed to fight on after the latest disappointment.
Robinson made three changes to his side held at home by Port Vale, though two were enforced due to the loans spells of Cameron Burgess and Freddie Ladapo ending.
Burgess, Ladapo and Ollie Banks were replaced by youngster George Edmundson, Josh Law and Paul Green while Ryan McLaughlin was pushed up front as partner for Darius Osei.
Latics who had the first opportunity of the game in the opening minute of the game when Green had a shot blocked.
And they had the better chances throughout the half with the first coming midway through the half.
McLaughlin beat the offside trap and latched onto a Green through ball, he raced through on goal but former Latics loanee Jake Kean saved well.
Latics continued to apply pressure as Brian Wilson fired over, Croft had a shot blocked, Osei’s volley from six yards was blocked by Krystian Pearce and Wilson tried his luck from 25 yards as Kean made an unorthodox save as they were left scratching their head why they were not ahead at the break.
The second half started off slowly and Latics’ manager Stephen Robinson made a double change on the hour as the injured Croft and Ryan Flynn were replaced by Banks and Billy Mckay.
While Hoban had a chance for Mansfield Town after 62 minutes, Latics remained on top.
Carl Winchester was Latics’ third and final change after 70 minutes.
Mckay, Edmundson and Peter Clarke all had further chances for Laticsbut it was the visitors who found the way to goal after 84 minutes after a rare forward sortie.
Hoban headed home from close range after keeper Connor Ripley failed to cut out a cross from James Baxendale.
Latics felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the 90th minute as McLaughlin beat his man and seemed to be bundled over, but the referee waved away the protests.
Two minutes later and Hoban sealed victory as he headed home from 12 yards after eluding his marker.
Oldham Athletic (3-5-2): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Edmundson; Law, Croft (Mckay 61), Fane, Green (Winchester 70), Flynn (Banks 61), McLaughlin, Osei. Subs (not used): Kettings, Dummigan, King, Glackin.
Goals: Hoban 84‚ 90+2 for Latics.
Attendance: 1,343 (149 visiting supporters)