OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, BLACKPOOL 0
Oldham Athletic are suddenly within touching distance of safety in Sky Bet League One following victory in their basement battle against Blackpool.
Matt Palmer’s second-half strike at SportsDirect.com Park earned Latics three precious points as they leapfrogged over the Seasiders.
And with only one defeat in their last nine league games, Latics certainly have the momentum in their favour while the likes of Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers are on the slide.
Manager John Sheridan made three changes from Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United, though Cameron Dummigan was ruled out through illness. Joseph Mills and Carl Winchester also lost their places.
Into the team came Brian Wilson at left back, captain Liam Kelly restored to the centre of midfield and Curtis Main was back in the front line.
Latics had early chances as Anthony Gerrard volleyed over and Main’s shot struck the hand of defender Tom Aldred, but no penalty was given.
David Norris saw a striker flash wide of the upright, but Blackpool rarely threatened.
Latics remained the more dangerous side as Palmer, Jonathan Forte, Brian Wilson and Aaron Amadi-Holloway had goal attempts, though none troubled keeper Colin Doyle.
Blackpool were the livelier side at the start of the second half as Norris fired wide and Brad Potts forced a save from Joel Coleman.
Main brought a decent stop from Doyle before Palmer made the breakthrough after 53 minutes.
It followed a neat passing move that ended with Palmer who shot into the top corner of the net from 10 yards.
The goal ignited the game, though not always for the right reasons as Kelly and Potts were booked following an altercation and Mike Jones was also booked for an off-the-ball incident.
Latics almost scored a second and clinching goal when Forte’s backwards header flashed just wide with Doyle beaten.
Blackpool never seriously threatened an equaliser as their bad run continued – no wins in seven games.
What a contrast to Latics who have put together a great run over the same period to give them a fighting chance of survival.