MILLWALL 3, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
After a summer of turmoil and upheaval, perhaps Oldham Athletic’s defeat at Millwall on the opening day of their 2016-17 Sky Bet League One campaign was no big surprise.
New manager Stephen Robinson’s new-look side was decidedly best as the Lions roared back after the disappointment of missing out on promotion in the play offs.
The South London side hit the ground running and Latics were left floundering to provide Robinson with considerable food for thought, especially his side’s defending that he later pinpointed as a concern.
After defeats in all five pre-season games, this was a sixth straight loss for Robinson who has certainly had a baptism of fire.
First-half goals from Lee Gregory and Aiden O’Brien and a strike from Byron Webster soon after the restart made it a miserable afternoon for the 312 travelling fans.
Brian Wilson was the sole survivor from last season as Robinson handed debuts to 10 players.
Millwall’s deadly attacking duo of Steve Morison and Lee Gregory sounded early warnings while Latics lost left-back Jamie Reckford through injury after only 11 minutes.
The deadlock came two minutes later when Millwall won a penalty after a foul by Cameron Burgess on Ben Thompson as Gregory sent keeper Connor Ripley the wrong way from the spot.
Minutes before the end of the half, Latics almost got back level on two occasions.
After Lee Erwin was fouled 25 yards from goal, substitute Josh Law whipped the ball over the defence but inches wide of the post.
Striker Erwin then took aim from 30 yards but his volley was saved well by keeper Jordan Archer.
Deep into first half injury time, Millwall extended their lead after Latics did not deal with a corner and O’Brien converted from close range.
Latics needed to regroup, but got off to the worst possible start in the second half, quickly conceding a third goal.
Former Latics loanee David Worrall’s corner from the right was converted by Webster at the back post to give Latics a mountain to climb.
Erwin was replaced by Darius Osei after an hour as Latics looked for a toehold back into the game.
Osei and Marc Klok, another substitute, both had chances and provided the occasional flicker of excitement, but it was all in vain and Millwall emerged emphatic victors.
Latics (4-4-2): Ripley, Wilson, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord (Law 11); Fane, Banks (Klok 68), Green, Flynn; Erwin (Osei 59), Mckay. Subs (not used): Kettings, Croft, Cassidy, Edmundson.
Goals: Gregory 13, O’Brien 45+3, Webster 46 for Millwall.
Attendance: 9,787 (312 away fans)