GATESHEAD 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Oldham Athletic overcame adversity and a potential banana skin to win at non-league Gateshead and move into the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Goals from Filipe Morais and Jonny Smith on either side of a Liam Agnew leveller were enough to ensure Latics saw off National League North opposition.
Latics, who were without David Wheater and Desire Segbe Azankpo, suffered another blow when they lost Christopher Missilou through injury in the 12th minute as he was replaced by Mohammed Maouche.
Gateshead, managed by former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson, were quickest out of the blocks quickest and Latics’ goalkeeper Zeus De La Paz was called into action in the 11th minute to deny Nicky Deverdics and later Greg Olley.
Latics took the lead against the run of play in the 28th minute, Tom Hamer’s long throw was flicked on to Morais who headed past Brad James.
They came close to doubling the lead before the interval when Scott Wilson did well to get down to the by-line before pulling the ball back to Smith who saw his goalbound effort blocked by team-mate Morais.
Dino Maamria’s side had the first chance of the second half and nearly doubled their advantage in the 51st minute. A smart corner from Smith found Chris McCann who saw his thumping effort superbly saved by James.
De aa Paz saved well from Olley to deny the hosts a leveller but he was left with no chance when Liam Agnew fired home from outside of the box.
The equaliser shifted momentum as Gateshead began to dictate the play and would have taken the lead if it wasn’t for two brilliant saves from de la Paz to deny Scott Barrow and Dominic Tear
Latics weathered the storm and regained the lead in the 77th minute when Smith cut inside brilliantly before finding the net with a well-executed finish.
It could have been game over in the 86th minute when Maouche eluded Alex Nicholson but couldn’t find a way past James in the Gateshead goal.
Latics held on despite a few worrying moments including a heroic block by Jamie Stott and Olley dragging an effort wide from the edge of the box.
Goals: Agnew (53) for Gateshead. Morais (28), Smith (77) for Oldham.
Oldham Athletic (4-2-3-1): De la Paz; Hamer, Stott, Egert (Mills 76),Iacovitti; McCann, Missilou (Maouche 12); Morais, Eagles (Sylla 60), Smith; Wilson. Subs not used): Woods, Fage, Emmerson, Adams.
Attendance 2,199 (772 visitors).