NORTHAMPTON TOWN 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2
Substitute Lee Erwin’s injury-time winner for Oldham Athletic at Northampton Town was another huge step towards Sky Bet League One survival.
It earned Latics their sixth win in 11 games since John Sheridan was appointed manager as they moved three points clear of the relegation places.
But with the likes of Shrewsbury, Bury and Swindon also enjoying improved fortunes, it is just as well Latics have picked up 23 points from 12 games under the new manager’s watch.
Tope Obadeyi had given Latics a first-half lead and they looked set to triumph until John-Joe O’Toole’s equaliser six minutes from time put the three points in doubt.
That was until Erwin, who had replaced Obadeyi, came up with the dramatic late winner.
An Achilles injury to Brian Wilson enabled Sheridan to immediately recall Anthony Gerrard who had served a two-match ban while Ryan Flynn was preferred to Chris Taylor who was on the bench. They were the two changes from the home goalless draw against Millwall.
O’Toole had the first shot of the game after three minutes, but Connor Ripley comfortably saved his fierce strike while at the other end Obadeyi fired wide.
Aiden O’Neill then had a shot saved by Cobblers’ keeper Adam Smith while a drive from Ryan McLaughlin clued the crossbar by inches as Latics carved out three decent chances in the opening eight minutes.
O’Toole was proving to be a threat for the home side and could have given them the lead, but Ripley saved his effort from six yards.
Keshi Anderson forced a smart save from Ripley minutes later but Latics hit back with a chance of their own as Aaron Amadi-Holloway headed narrowly over after 18 minutes.
Latics deservedly took the lead midway through the half through Obadeyi after a break as the referee allowed play on after a hefty challenge on Aiden O’Neill.
The ball broke to McLaughlin who found Aaron Amadi-Holloway in space. He crossed into the box for the unmarked Obadeyi who was racing in to fire past Smith.
Northampton almost found an equaliser after half an hour as former Latics’ defender Neal Eardley crossed to the back post for Michael Smith but the striker volleyed wide.
Latics had a superb chance to double their lead two minutes later but Flynn fired over from Obadeyi’s cut back while Banks was also off target when well plaed.
The home side had the first chance of the second half as Anderson was allowed space to shoot but Ripley pulled off a great save to deny the striker.
Latics had three chances in quick succession to double their advantage. O’Neill’s cross failed to find Obadeyi, Amadi-Holloway’s effort was saved by Smith who also kept out a header from Rob Hunt.
Banks forced Smith into a smart save after 65 minutes while Sheridan brought on Erwin and Taylor.
O’Toole fired wide from a Marc Richards cross into the box while at the other end Erwin’s effort was turned over the bar by Smith.
Latics were hit with a sucker punch after 84 minutes as Northampton Town equalised and inevitably it was O’Toole who found the net as he poked home a loose ball in the box.
However, Latics did not settle for a point and went all out for the winner. And after a succession of corners, Latics continued to pile on the pressure and secured the winner in stoppage time.
The ball broke to Erwin on the edge of the box and he fired powerfully into the bottom corner to win the game for Sheridan’s men.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; McLaughlin, Gerrard, Clarke, Hunt; Green, Banks, O’Neill (Fane 78), Flynn (Taylor 68); Obadeyi (Erwin 68), Holloway. Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Edmundson, Ngoo.
Goals: O’Toole 84 for Northampton, Obadeyi 23, Erwin 90+1 for Latics.
Attendance: 4,626 (197 visitors).