GILLINGHAM 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2
Struggling Oldham Athletic’s fortunes have taken an upward turn following back-to-back away wins in the space of four days.
The midweek victory at Fleetwood Town in the Checkatrade Trophy was followed by a success at Gillingham in Sky Bet League One.
And the triumph at Priestfield was achieved the hard way as Latics had to battle from behind as they displayed grit and determination.
After Cody McDonald had given the Gills the lad, Latics hit back in the second half with goals from substitute Freddie Ladapo and Ryan Flynn whose winner was struck in the 89th minute.
The victory lifted Latics off bottom spot, though they remain in the relegation places.
Manager Stephen Robinson named an unchanged side that meant Carl Winchester keeping his place in midfield and Ladapo on the bench with Billy Mckay and Lee Erwin the preferred strike duo.
Gillingham started the better and took the lead after 10 minutes through McDonald.
Bradley Dack’s corner found the striker at the back post and he nodded into the back of the net, despite the best efforts from Cameron Burgess to deny him.
Gillingham almost extended their lead when Paul Konchesky crossed into the box to find McDonald but he headed straight at keeper Connor Ripley.
After Dack again tested the palms of Ripley, Billy Mckay had Latics’ first effort on goal, forcing a smart save from Stuart Nelson from 25 yards.
Paul Green was the next Latics’ player to go close, but his effort was deflected for a corner.
Latics started the second half much the better side and will have wondered how they weren’t level on two occasions.
Flynn’s excellent through ball found Brian Wilson who got behind the defence, he crossed low to Erwin at the back post but with the goal gaping, he shot wide.
Latics had the momentum and two minutes later Flynn’s cross was flashed across the six yard box, but left-back Jamie Reckord could not connect from close range.
Robinson brought on Lee Croft and Ladapo on the hour for Winchester and Mackay as Latics looked to make their pressure pay.
That move proved to be an inspired one from the manager as Ladapo equalised after minutes.
Flynn played the ball to the right of Ladapo who held off his man excellently and smashed the ball past the goalkeeper Nelson.
From that moment, it was all Latics. Flynn went close minutes after the equaliser whilst he turned provider again for Ladapo but Nelson was quickly off his line to deny the striker.
Flynn was making a massive impact on the game as he took the ball past three men before forcing a smart save from Nelson.
Latics found themselves scratching their heads how they did not take the lead twice in the final five minutes of the game.
Firstly Flynn crossed to Ladapo who could not reach the ball while the Crystal Palace loanee scuffed an effort from five yards as Latics felt their chance had passed.
However, with Robinson’s players picking holes in the Gills’ defence, they made their pressure pay in the final minute of the game as Flynn grabbed a deserved winner.
The midfielder won the ball in the penalty area and he had the coolest head in the stadium, prodding past the goalkeeper to win the game.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord; Winchester (Croft 59), Fane, Green, Flynn; Mckay (Ladapo 61), Erwin (Banks 90+2). Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Klok, Osei.
Goals: McDonald (10) for Gillingham. Ladapo (65), Flynn (89) for Oldham.
Attendance: 6,425 (127 visitors)