WALSALL 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0.
Oldham Athletic saw red as their five game unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One came to an end at Walsall.
They ended with nine men after Lee Croft and Brian Wilson were sent off, yet so nearly earned a share of the spoils following a valiant effort at the Banks’ Stadium.
Late goals from Erhun Oztumer and Amadou Bakayoko were cruel for Latics who deserved a share of the spoils.
It looked as though Latics would hold out, a great achievement after Lee Croft was sent off in the 16th minute and Brian Wilson late in the game.
John Sheridan made two changes in midfield handing Croft his first start since he became manager and recalling defender Wilson, who was handed a midfield anchor role, as Ollie Banks and Ryan Flynn stood down.
Latics started brightly, but were dealt a blow when Croft was dismissed by referee John Brooks for a late challenge on Jason McCarthy.
Wilson switched to right back with Ryan McLaughlin moving into midfield in a 4-3-2 formation.
Latics almost took the lead after 20 minutes as Aaron Amadi-Holloway headed into the path of Tope Obadeyi, but the striker volleyed over the crossbar.
Both Kieron Morris and Isaiah Osbourne went close before the half hour mark for Walsall before Latics had another great chance to take the lead.
Wilson took aim from 25 yards and forced a good save from keeper Neil Etheridge as Latics continued to look dangerous in attack.
Latics’ keeper Connor Ripley made two great saves to deny Kieron Morris from close range and Osbourne who let fly from 18 yards
Sheridan’s side dominated in the second half, despite their man disadvantage.
Latics won a free kick on the edge of the box after 55 minutes which Obadeyi took. He curled towards the far corner but it hit the post and went wide.
Five minutes later, Holloway’s fierce cross found Paul Green in the centre, but Walsall just managed to get back to deny the midfielder in front of goal.
Obadeyi hit a free kick over the crossbar after 67 minutes before Peter Clarke rose highest at the back post but could not direct his header on target.
The home side started to dominate as Morris fired over the crossbar.
Latics had a shout for a penalty rejected when Amadi-Holloway appeared to have his shirt pulled.
That decision went against Latics and from the next Walsall attack, they won a 79th minute penalty.
Peter Clarke was adjudged to have fouled Simeon Jackson in the penalty area and Oztumer stepped up to send Ripley the wrong way and put Walsall ahead.
That goal came completely against the run of play but minutes later it would get worse for Latics as they were reduced to nine men.
Wilson and substitute Bakayoko clashed and the referee awarded both a yellow card, Wilson’s second, which saw him dismissed.
However, Latics still continued to press forward as Amadi-Holloway fired wide.
While Latics piled men forward in the final minutes, they were caught on the break as Bakayoko smashed into the top corner from the edge of the box to seal the win for Walsall.
Oldham Athletic (4-1-2-1-2): Ripley, McLaughlin, Gerrard, Clarke, Hunt; Wilson, Green (Fane 64), O’Neill; Croft; Obadeyi (Erwin 86), Holloway. Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Flynn, Taylor, Ngoo.
Goals: Oztumer 79‚ Bakayoko 90+3 for Walsall.
Attendance: 6,003 (616 visiting supporters)