OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, WALSALL 1
Oldham Athletic displayed grit and determination as they extended their unbeaten run to 10 games.
They had to do it the hard way against Walsall after falling behind in their Sky Bet League One match against Walsall at SportsDirect.com Park.
Walsall didn’t read the script as Jordan Cook gave his side a 10th minute lead after being set up by Andy Butler.
Cook wasted two other chances as Walsall could easily have been out of sight as Latics made a poor start by recent standards.
Latics, who had eight goal leading scorer Jonathan Forte only fit enough for the bench, certainly rode their luck before drawing level after half an hour.
Carl Winchester made a break before Mike Jones’ shot deflected into the path of Conor Wilkinson who fired home from 10 yards.
It was the Bolton Wanderers loan player’s first goal for Latics in his farewell appearance.
Latics brought on new loan signing Jabo Ibehre just short of the hour for Dominic Poleon while Forte replaced Wilkinson with 17 minutes left.
The winner came moments late and what a fabulous strike from Jones as his 25 yard drive dipped over the keeper and went in off the underside of the crossbar. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.
Walsall had a late chance to equalise, but Mathieu Mansel’s effort was blocked by James Wilson as Latics’ unbeaten run goes on, stretching back to the end of August.