BRISTOL ROVERS 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Oldham Athletic’s failure to win at Bristol Rovers on Easter Monday means they are still not mathematically safe from the threat of relegation in Sky Bet League One.
After picking up seven points from a possible nine against the division’s top three teams, they headed for the West Country in fine spirits.
But again the Memorial Ground proved a far from happy hunting ground as this was a fifth straight loss there…and they haven’t even managed a goal in that time.
And after some of the highs of recent weeks, this was a disappointing display and a 25th time from 44 league games that they had failed to find the net.
Goalkeeper Connor Ripley was also denied an 18th clean sheet of the season who would have equalled Les Pogliacomi’s club record as Ellis Harrison plundered the winning goal for the Pirates 15 minutes from time.
Manager John Sheridan made three changes to the side which beat Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Aiden O’Neill, Chris Taylor and Ryan Flynn won recalls in place of Paul Green, Ousmane Fane and the suspended Michael Ngoo.
Rovers had the first chance of the game in the opening minute when Billy Bodin’s shot was beaten out by Ripley.
Latics started to inch their way into the game and Tope Obadeyi had two good chances as he headed over from six yards and struck wide of Joe Lumley’s goal.
Lee Erwin fired wide from 25 yards and from the following attack, Bodin forced a great save from Ripley.
Latics had their best chance of the half on the half hour.
Obadeyi did well to turn his defender midway through Rovers’ half. He raced through on goal, cut inside two defenders but took an extra touch instead of getting his shot away as the chance passed.
Erwin dragged a shot wide minutes later as Latics looked to capitalise on the pressure they had built.
However, it would the hosts who finished the half the stronger as former Latics’ player Cristiano Montano curled an effort wide and Ripley denied Harrison.
Rovers had the first opportunity of the second half as Bodin slipped Luke James through on goal, but the striker dragged his shot wide.
Sheridan made a double change just past the hour as Fane and Green came on in place of Obadeyi and O’Neill as Flynn moved into attack.
While Latics struggled to create a clear-cut opening, Rovers started to take control of the game as Byron Moore fired over the crossbar from inside the box while Ripley had to be alert to deny Sinclair.
And the Gas took the lead in the 76th minute through Harrison who created space in the penalty area, turned and blasted past Ripley.
Latics responded well to going a goal behind and create chances to draw level in the final 10 minutes of the game as Erwin and Clarke had openings.
Latics had to be wary of the counter attack as Bodin broke free in the box but Stott was there to clear up the danger.
Lee Croft came on for the final five minutes and late on Flynn fired wide on a disappointing day for Latics.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Wilson, Stott, Clarke, McLaughlin; O’Neill (Fane 65), Banks (Croft 87), Flynn, Taylor; Obadeyi (Green 65), Erwin. Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Edmundson, Mantack.
Goals: Harrison (76) for Bristol Rovers.
Attendance: 9,083 (425 visitors)