OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, CRAWLEY TOWN 1
Oldham Athletic put further daylight between themselves and the teams below them in Sky Bet League Two following their home victory against Crawley Town.
In what head coach Dino Maamria described as a “must-win game”, Latics did it the hard way after falling behind to a first-half goal from Lewis Young.
Second-half strikes from David Wheater and Mohammed Maouche earned three valuable points, more so with Morecambe winning to move off bottom spot.
Latics made two changes from the defeat at leaders Swindon Town as Jamie Stott and David Jones were ruled out through injury as Mohamed Sylla and Jean-Louis Akpa Akrpo won recalls.
The hosts missed a clear-cut chance in the 10th minute as a pass from Chris McCann cut the Crawley defence in two, finding Desire Segbe Azankpo who rounded goalkeeper Glenn Morris but couldn’t find the net as centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe recovered to make the tackle and force the corner.
The Red Devils took the lead against the run of play after 15 minutes. Wing-back Lewis Young drove forward on the right and was given time and space on edge of the area before slotting the ball into the bottom corner in off the post.
Latics had a penalty claim turned away midway through the half after Jonny Smith skilfully beat two Crawley defenders before being bundled over in the box.
Smith was heavily involved in all Latics’ attacks as they sought an equaliser and following a driving run the tricky winger found Maouche on the edge of the area and he tested Morris.
The final opportunity of the opening half fell Latics’ way as a corner swung in from the right found the head Wheater and, after several flick-ons in the penalty area, Azankpo fired wide.
The home side raced out of the blocks after half-time and after a spell of early pressure, Latics equalised when Wheater headed home Smith’s corner.
Latics completed the comeback just short of the hour as substitute Scott Wilson picked up a loose ball and picked out Maouche in acres of space on the edge of the box and he calmly stroking the ball past Morris.
The visitors almost drew themselves level minutes after the goal as Tarryn Allarakhia curled a shot narrowly wide.
Huge penalty appeals were once again waved away by referee Martin Coy as Azankpo appeared to be tripped.
Crawley wasted another good chance after 73 minutes as substitute Mason Bloomfield blazed over.
As Town left themselves exposed chasing an equaliser, Latics almost extended their lead as Morris was forced into a double save from Maouche and McCann.
Latics kept pressing their opponents high as Sylla sent Wilson through on goal but after being forced wide, the striker was only able to curl his shot wide.
The Reds fashioned another half-chance with two minutes of normal time remaining as Young picked out Beryly Lubala who failed to convert.
Latics defended resolutely through the six minutes of additional time with centre-half Thomas Egert slotted into the backline as Latics held out for deserved three points.
Goals: Wheater (49), Maouche (58) for Oldham. Young (17) for Crawley.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): de la Paz; Mills, Hamer, Wheater, Iacovitti; Maouche (Eagles 83), Sylla, McCann, Smith; Azankpo (Egert 89), Akpa Akpro (Wilson 36). Subs (not used): Woods, Smith-Brown, Fage, Adams.
Attendance: 2,732 (55 visitors).