PRESTON NORTH END 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0.
Jack King dealt Oldham Athletic a new blow as they slipped to defeat at Preston North End in Sky Bet League One.
The midfield man struck the match-winning goal which leaves Latics in the bottom four relegation places.
These are challenging and worrying times for Latics who have picked up only two points from their first four league matches.
And it was another disappointing afternoon, though there was little to choose between the team apart from King’s early goal.
Preston are expected to be among the challengers for promotion so Latics know there is little wrong though, in this divisions, the margins between success and failure and minute.
Brian Wilson replaced Connor Brown, the one change from the side which drew 1-1 at home to Port Vale in midweek.
King struck early as Latics failed to clear and inswinging corner from Paul Gallagher as the player found the net with a screamer.
Latics created chances in the opening half as Jonson Clarke-Harris had two decent goal attempts – one was headed straight at keeper Jamie Jones, the other flew wide – while a header from George Elokobi flashed past the upright.
Preston could have doubled their advantage as Joe Garner forced a decent save from Paul Rachubka.
Latics continued to make openings in the second period without ever looking like scoring.
Clarke-Harris had three further goal attempts while Jonathan Forte had two, the latter in the final minute when Jones saved well with his legs.
It provided hope to Latics’ 865 travelling army as they prepare for another tough away game on Saturday when they play Doncaster Rovers where they will come up against former manager Paul Dickov and ex-charges Dean Furman and Reece Wabara.
And with relegated Doncaster eager to regain their Championship status, it won’t be easy as Lativs looked to break their duck and record that elusive first league win of the campaign.