OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3, PETERBOROUGH UNITED 2
Fortune favoured the brave as bold caretaker manager Richie Wellens was rewarded for ringing the changes for his first game in charge as bottom-club Oldham Athletic beat high-flying Peterborough United to secure a first home win of the season.
Wellens had clearly identified the shortcomings as his new-look side came up with the goods, even allowing for playing the last half hour with 10 men after Brian Wilson’s sending off.
On-loan Eoin Doyle was again the catalyst scoring two goals and also providing as assist in a match in which all the goals and meaningful action came in the second period.
Wellens, the former Latics’ midfielder, made sweeping changes to the back line that had been conceding goals at a worrying rate.
Johny Placide, the Haiti international, was given a debut in goal in place of Jack Ruddy while the lack of pace at the back was remedied by switching midfielder Kean Bryan to centre back as Anthony Gerrard lost out.
Wilson was also recalled for youngster George Edmundson to provide extra experience.
Wellens, who stuck with a 3-5-2 system employed by John Sheridan, recalled Rob Hunt at left wing back. Ousmane Fane to midfield and Doyle returned after a one-match ban in place of Tope Obadeyi.
Placide was forced into action, after three minutes as he tipped over Marcus Maddison’s free kick from 25 yards.
Latics had great chance to take the lead when Doyle glanced a header narrowly wide from Curacao international Gevaro Nepomuceno’s cross.
They finished the half strongly as Davies and Doyle continued to be a threat for Latics but it remained goalless at half time.
The game exploded life in the second half and it was the visitors who first went close to taking the lead when Jack Marriott’s effort struck the upright.
However, Latics took the lead in the 51st minute through Doyle who pounced after Jack Byrne’s shot was spilled by keeper Jonathan Bond.
The lead lasted only seven minutes as Peterborough United equalised through a Marcus Maddison penalty that was awarded when he was denied goalscoring opportunity by Wilson who was dismissed.
Latics were fortunate not to fall behind after 72 minutes as Ricky Miller’s initial shot was saved by Placide, and Maddison’s follow up was excellently saved by the goalkeeper.
Despite the man disadvantage, Latics regained the lead after 80 minutes through Dan Gardner who was set up by Doyle.
Abdelhakim Omrani was introduced and his first contribution was to set up the third goal for Latics as his cross was converted by Doyle.
Two minutes into eight of added time and Posh reduced the deficit to 3-2 when Jack Marriott bundled the ball home after Latics failed to clear a free kick.
Posh threw everything forward in a bid to get something out of the game but 10-man Latics held on for a vital three points.
Oldham Athletic (3-5-2): Placide; Wilson, Bryan; Clarke; Nepomuceno (Dummigan 60), Fane, Gardner, Byrne (Omrani 81), Hunt; Doyle, Davies (Banks 63). Subs (not used): Ruddy, Gerrard, Menig, Obadeyi.
Goals: Doyle (51, 85)‚ Gardner 80) for Latics. Maddison (58), Marriott (92)
Attendance: 2,975 (263 visitors).