PRESTON NORTH END 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Oldham Athletic failed to pull off another giantkilling act as they lost at Preston North End in the second round of the EFL Cup.
After a spirited display, Latics were undone by goals on the last quarter of the game from Eoin Doyle and Jordan Hugill.
But there were plenty of positives to emerge as Latics more than matched their Championship opponents for much of the match.
Manager Steve Robinson mad three changes to the side that had won at Bury three days earlier.
Striker Billy Mckay was ruled through injury while Paul Green and Ryan Flynn were rested.
Brian Wilson came into defence as Robinson went with a 3-5-2 system as Ollie Banks and Jake Cassidy won call ups.
Cassidy and Marc Klok had early chances for Latics while Hugill had an opening for the home side.
Latics were defending resolutely with Peter Clarke commanding at the heart of their defence.
Banks had two chances to put Latics ahead 10 minutes before the end of the first half as he struck over from inside the box before miss-kicking on the edge from Klok’s corner.
Robinson made a change at half time and brought on Green for Klok.
That move almost paid off for Latics as Green picked out Cassidy’s run early into the second half but Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell was off his line quickly to head away the danger.
Striker Lee Erwin almost gave Latics the lead five minutes into the second half, but his drive was well kept out by Maxwell.
And Erwin was denied again, Maxwell beating away his shot.
Preston manager Simon Grayson brought on Doyle and Callum Robinson after an hour and the changes paid dividends within six minutes as Doyle broke the deadlock slotting home a low shot.
Robinson brought on Ryan McLaughlin and Darius Osei with 20 minutes remaining to try and find an equaliser.
But it was Preston who sealed victory with 10 minutes left when Latics’ keeper Connor Riply was dispossessed by Doyle who crossed for Hugill to head into an empty net.
Latics (3-5-2): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Burgess; Law (McLaughlin 67), Fane, Klok (Green 46), Banks (Osei 69), Dunne; Erwin, Cassidy. Subs (not used): Kettings, Edmundson, Flynn, Croft.
Goals: Doyle 66, Hugill 81 for Preston North End.
Attendance: 5,075 (751 visiting supporters)