OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, CREWE ALEXANDRA 2
Chris Porter returned to haunt Oldham Athletic who were beaten at home by Crewe Alexandra in their opening home game of the season in Sky Bet League Two.
The 35-year-old striker scored both goals for the Railwaymen who inflicted more pain on Latics who have suffered back-to-back losses with head coach Laurent Banide admitting Crewe were the superior side.
And after two league games, they are one of three teams without a win and only out of the bottom two relegation places on goal difference.
The fact Porter scored the goals was a Latics old boy was galling because the striker’s controversial departure in 2007to join Scottish side Motherwell still has not been forgiven by some fans
Porter’s goal also marked a landmark as they were his 149th and 150th league goals of a career for Bury, Latics, Motherwell, Derby County, Sheffield United, Shrewsbury, Chesterfield, Colchester and Crewe.
Latics, without the injured David Wheater, paired Jamie Stott with Mohamed Sefil in the centre of defence.
Mohamed Sylla lost his place in midfield as Banide went 4-4-2 having played with only one striker in the opening-day loss at Forest Green Rovers.
Yet Latics made the perfect start when Christopher Missilou’s looping header from a Tom Hamer cross them in front after only three minutes.
Daniel Powell missed a great chance for Crewe who equalised in the 21st minute when Porter’s header arced over goalkeeper Gary Woods.
Latics nearly regained the lead when Zak Mills had a great strike saved by Will Jaaselainen, son of former Bolton Wanderers and Finland international Jussi.
Moments later, the Crewe countered and Powell found himself in on goal. He was denied by a brilliant save from Woods and following up, his shot was blocked on the line by Hamer.
The Railwaymen were close to going ahead when Oliver Lancashire was given a free header only yards from goal but again Woods pulled off a brilliant save to keep the defender out.
In the 41st minute, Crewe were awarded a penalty when Missilou brought down Powell and Porter dispatched the spot kick to put the visitors ahead with his second goal of the game.
Crewe should have extended their lead early into the second half, Charlie Kirk raced clear on goal he tried to find a team-mate in the box but couldn’t hit the intended man.
Harry Pickering raced down the left and put a cross which beat Woods as it struck the crossbar as the visitors carved out the better chances.
Powell found himself free inside the penalty area, but this time he smashed his shot over the bar.
Crewe were close to adding a third goal in the 83rd minute when Eddie Nolan headed the ball across the Latics goal and landed at the feet of substitute Owen Dale. He had an open goal but his shot went way over the crossbar.
In 91st minute, Latics came close to equalising when Desire Segbe Azankpo got in behind the Crewe defence but his shot from a tight angle went just wide of the visitor’s goal.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Woods, Hamer, Sefil, Stott, Smith-Brown; Mills (Nepomuceno 46), Maouche, Missilou, Branger-Engone; Wilson (Eagles 75), Vera (Azankpo 46). Subs (not used): Zabret, Iacovitti, Fage, Sylla.
Goals: Missilou (3) for Oldham. Porter (21, 41) for Crewe.
Attendance 3,884 (417 visitors).