SHREWSBURY TOWN 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
The dream of a Wembley appearance disappeared as Oldham Athletic lost at Shrewsbury Town in the quarter finals of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Latics were undone by goals early – after only 16 seconds from Stefan Payne – and late in the game by substitute Alex Rodman as they were beaten by the Shrews for a third time in the current campaign.
Sandwiched in-between was an equaliser from Aaron Amadi-Holloway as Latics came within minutes of taking the tie to penalties.
Manager Richie Wellens made four changes to the side that lost 3-0 to Peterborough United at the weekend.
But it was a disastrous start to the game for Wellens’ men as they were behind after 16 seconds.
Arthur Gnahoua was allowed space on the right and he crossed for an unmarked Payne to fire into the far corner.
Shrews had chances to increase their advantage as Aristote Nsiala rose highest from a corner but headed over and minutes later Gnahoua forced a good save from Johny Placide.
Jack Byrne fired wide after 25 minutes after good build up play and before the half hour mark, Mohamed Maouche dragged another effort wide as Latics inched their way into the game.
Home keeper Dean Henderson then made important saves to deny Byrne and Craig Davies.
A change was needed at the break and Wellens brought on Ryan McLaughlin in place of Maouche.
However, Shrews almost doubled their lead a minute into the second half. Gnahoua crossed into the centre but Payne could not connect properly with his cross.
After a Davies effort was blocked, Shrews thought they had extended their lead but Jon Nolan’s shot smashed the side netting.
Latics began to dominate as Byrne slid a shot wide after the hour mark but after 68 minutes Latics’ patience paid off as they drew level.
Byrne’s free kick was headed across the box by Davies and Amadi-Holloway was there to convert.
Two quick chances for Latics followed as they went in search of the winning goal. Amadi-Holloway almost doubled his tally for the night but his header was saved while seconds later Dan Gardner hammered an effort from 25 yards which Henderson had to tip wide.
Latics continued to attack and Byrne almost found the top corner after 78 minutes but Henderson made an unbelievable stop to deny the midfielder.
As time seemed to be running out and penalties loomed, Shrews found the winning goal after 88 minutes.
Rodman played a low ball to Nolan in the box. He raced into the box, received the ball back and found the bottom corner to win the game for Shrews and break Latics’ hearts.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Placide; Hamer (Dummigan 57), Bryan, Edmundson, Wilson; Gardner, Maouche (McLaughlin 46), Pringle, Byrne; Holloway (Duffus 83), Davies. Subs (not used): De La Paz, Benyu, Nepomuceno, Obadeyi.
Goals: Payne (1), Rodman (88) for Shrews. Amadi-Holloway (67) for Oldham.
Attendance: 1,984 (269 visitors).