BOLTON WANDERERS 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Oldham Athletic’s first-ever visit to the Macron Stadium was a losing one as defeat to Bolton Wanderers left them entrenched in Sky Bet League One’s relegation places.
The return of the early-awaited derby – they last met in the league in 1995/96 at their former Burnden Park home – was one in which Zac Clough’s double strike for Bolton proved decisive in what was an evenly-contested game.
Latics had been looking to record a third successive win and maintain their recent upturn in fortunes.
Manager Stephen Robinson named an unchanged team for the third time as Ryan Flynn passed a late fitness test and was named on the left hand side of midfield.
Sammy Ameobi had an early chance for Wanderers who made the breakthrough after 10 minutes.
Paul Green conceded a free kick for a foul on Gary Madine as Clough stepped up and curled the ball up and over the wall giving keeper Connor Ripley no chance.
The home side continued to dominate and Ripley was forced into a smart save from David Wheater’s header.
Midway through the half, Carl Winchester curled a shot towards the far corner, but it flew inches over the crossbar. And not long after he had another effort blocked.
Lee Erwin then had two chances to equalise with both efforts flying just wide of the upright.
Wanderers would have extended their lead but for Ripley who saved well with his legs to deny Ameobi who was clean through.
Winchester had another chance to equalise early in the second half when Winchester’s volley flew just over the crossbar.
Freddie Ladapo was brought on in place of Billy Mckay just short of the hour while moments later Winchester struck wide from 20 yards.
Madine tested Ripley after 65 minutes before Latics‚Äô best chance of the second half when Wanderers’ keeper Mark Howard made a double save to deny Paul Green and Freddie Ladapo.
As Latics were finishing strongly, they were hit with a sucker punch as Bolton extended their lead after 77 minutes.
After Winchester cleared the ball off the line, the ball continued to bobble around the penalty area and from six yards, Clough fired home off the underside of the bar.
Calaum Jahraldo-Martin came on for his first league appearance of the season, replacing Ousmane Fane, while Cameron Dummigan was also introduced in place of Brian Wilson.
Latics continued to attempt to get something out of the game as Green and Jamie Reckord went close late on but it was to no avail.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Wilson (Dummigan 78), Clarke, Burgess, Reckord; Winchester, Fane (Jahraldo-Martin 78), Green, Flynn; Erwin, Mckay (Ladapo 58). Subs (not used): Kettings, Dunne, Klok, Banks.
Goals: Clough 10, 77 for Bolton.
Attendance: 14,891 (2,097 visiting supporters)