OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, PORT VALE 2
Oldham Athletic failed to build on the promise of the previous two games, which had yielded four points, as they were beaten at home by Port Vale.
Nathan Smith and Mitch Clark inflicted the damage with first-half goals.
Though Zak Dearnley halved the deficit early in the second half with his third goal in as many games, Latics were unable to complete a comeback.
In the wake of a punishing schedule assistant coach Alan Maybury, deputising for Covid-19 victim Harry Kewell, made four changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Carlisle in midweek.
There were recalls for Kyle Jameson, Brice Ntambwe, Danny Rowe and Dylan Bahamboula at the expense of Harrison Clarke, Callum Whelan, Bobby Grant and Ben Garrity.
The Valiants had the better of the early exchanges with Tom Conlon and Theo Robinson both having efforts on goal before the deadlock was broken in the 12th minute through an unchallenged header from Smith.
The in-form Dearnley looked to immediately restore parity but his shot was comfortably saved by Scott Brown.
Smith should have doubled his tally when he again found himself with plenty of room in the penalty area, but this time his header flew wide.
On the half-hour, Latics had a half-chance to equalise, but Dearnley’s effort was blocked.
In the 39th minute, John Askey’s side scored against to establish a two-goal lead that their dominant display deserved. Clark cut inside from the right before curling a left-footed effort into the far corner.
It could have become worse just before the interval and it would have been 3-0 if it hadn’t been for a brilliant block by Harry Clarke.
Latics found a way back into the game less than five minutes after the break. Bahamboula headed the ball goalwards and Dearnley diverted it past Brown.
Vale nearly regained their two-goal cushion just after the hour, Christian Montano’s low cross found its way to David Amoo but Ian Lawlor was on hand to save from point-blank range.
Carl Piergianni missed a golden opportunity to level the scoring, but he headed wide from a Rowe corner.
Latics continued to push for a leveller as Rowe’s corner was met by Clarke whose looping header was cleared off the line.
An equalising goal eluded Latics despite late pressure including an effort from distance from Bahamboula that stung the hands of the Vale keeper.
Oldham Athletic: Lawlor, Clarke, Piergianni, Whelan (Keillor-Dunn 77), Rowe, Barnett (Borthwick-Jackson 46), McAleny, Dearnley, Bahamboula, McCalmont, Hamer (Fage 46). Subs (not used): Bilboe, Grant, Jameson, Ntambwe.
Goals: Dearnley, 50, for Oldham. Smith, 12, Clark, 39, for Port Vale.