OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, SWINDON TOWN 0
Oldham Athletic won again, but still cannot find a way out of the relegation places in Sky Bet League One.
The victory against Swindon Town at SportsDirect.com Park was another important step towards safety.
But despite losing only twice in 13 league games, and recording back-to-back wins against Chesterfield and Swindon, John Sheridan’s rejuvenated side remains in the bottom four after Fleetwood beat Peterborough stay ahead of Latics.
However, they have build up a momentum that ought to soon propel themselves out of danger while others around them toil.
Latics may be 21st in the table, but they are only two points adrift of Chesterfield who are in 17th place such is the congested bottom third of the table.
Goals from captain Liam Kelly early in the game and Curtis Main late on, coupled with a third clean sheet in a row, gave Latics three precious points to take their total to 44.
And with most teams still having six games to play – Latics have seven – they will probably need at least 50 to guarantee safety.
Jonathan Forte was moved from wide left to partner Main up front with Holloway ruled out through injury.
Mike Jones was back in the starting line up in midfield and there was also a recall at right back for Cameron Dummigan. James Wilson switched to centre back with Brian Wilson dropping down to the bench.
Latics made a great start taking the lead in the 10th minute when Kelly headed home a Forte cross, a great way to settle the nerves on another important night for the club.
Swindon almost equalised soon after when Bradley Barry’s header crashed against the crossbar.
Latics could have doubled their advantage when Matt Palmer set up Forte who could only shoot straight at keeper Tyrell Belford.
Louis Thompson had a sight at goal, but could only shoot straight at Latics’ keeper Joel Coleman.
Latics finished the opening half strongly as Main’s acrobatic effort was saved by Belford while Main came close to making it 2-0 as he just failed to reach Forte’s excellent cross.
And they continued where they left off and were in control for the whole of the second period with Swindon offering little threat.
Latics created further chances as James Wilson and Main had chances to extend the lead.
Swindon struggled to create chances, but were denied a penalty with 20 minutes left when Brandon Ottewill went down in the area, but the referee waved play on.
Latics had to be patient before sealing victory with 10 minutes left from a free kick as Wilson flicked the ball to Main whose header looped over keeper Belford.
It was Main’s first goal of his loan move from Doncaster Rovers who plunge deeper into trouble after Latics’ victory.
Indeed, Latics might have emerged winners by a wider margin as Dummigan and Timothee Dieng both have goal attempts saved late in the game.