OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, GILLINGHAM 1
Oldham Athletic secured a hugely important victory in their battle against relegation from Sky Bet League One as they beat promotion-chasing Gillingham at SportsDirect.com Park.
Second-half goals from Timothee Dieng and Jonathan Forte earned Latics three precious points in what was only their second home league win of the season, and the first since August.
And its importance was underlined by other results of the teams around them at the foot of the table. Latics, had they lost, would have been seven points adrift, but are now a less daunting four.
Manager John Sheridan is certainly weaving his magic as Latics are unbeaten in four games – two wins and two draws – and that two points-per-game ratio is promotion form.
Latics also displayed character as they were behind at the break to Doug Loft’s 30-yard drive.
Sheridan made two changes from the side that was involved in a goalless draw at Blackpool in midweek as Anthony Gerrard returned after injury and new loan signing Curtis Main was preferred to Rhys Murphy while Carl Winchester also missed out as James Wilson reverted to right back to accommodate Gerrard while Cameron Dummigan switched from right back to right midfield.
Latics made a lively start as Aaron Madi-Holloway fired wide, Daniel Lafferty’s free kick was turned round the post by keeper Stuart Nelson, they had a penalty appeal rejected claiming handball while Main shot narrowly off target, and all in the opening 10 minutes.
The against the run of play, Gillingham took the lead after 16 minutes when a corner was cleared to Loft whose 30-yard drive arrowed towards the top corner giving keeper Joel Coleman no chance.
Latics responded positively as Main’s shot was saved by the legs of Nelson while Holloway and Forte fired over as they did everything but find the net.
There was a laboured start to the second half before Latics finally got back on level terms after 56 minutes.
Liam Kelly took a quick free kick, Matt Palmer whipped in a cross and Dieng found the net with a glancing header.
Latics were in control, but the Gills were a threat on the counter.
Their pressure was rewarded with the winning goal after 73 minutes when Wilson delivered a delightful cross for Forte to slot home his second goal of an injury-plagued campaign.
Latics looked for a killer third goal as Holloway could not hit the target with a header.
Gerrard had the ball in the net, but was adjudged to have fouled keeper Nelson before he headed home.
Main, who had an impressive full debut, and substitute Murphy both went close in the dying minutes.
But right at the death, Gillingham almost snatched an equaliser when Rory Donnelly stole in at the far post to head over from three yards.