OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, WIGAN ATHLETIC 2
Two early goals were Oldham Athletic’s undoing as their home hoodoo struck again against Wigan Athletic.
Ivan Toney and Michael Jacobs found the net in the opening quarter of an hour as Oldham have lost all three games in league and cup at SportsDirect.com Park.
And after last season struggling at home, manager John Sheridan is again struggling to find a formula as thee straight defeats has left Latics bottom of the table.
Sheridan made three changes to the side which lost to Walsall last week as Gyamfi Kyeremah and Dan Gardner were handed debuts and Brian Wilson won a recall in a 4-1-4-1 formation.
The players to lose out were Ousmane Fane, Mason Fawns and Craig Davies.
Sheridan’s options were limited through injuries to Paul Green, Ryan Flynn, Tope Obadeyi and Craig Davies.
The visitors started the game brightly and were ahead in the eighth minute when Toney met a cross into the box at the near post to fire past keeper Ben Wilson.
Wigan remained on control and soon doubled their lead through Jacobs.
After a scramble in the penalty area, Jacobs created room for himself and convert from close range.
Latics struggled to get into the game and Wilson was again forced into action midway through the half to deny Nick Powell.
Wilson made a good save from Gavin Massey after 37 minutes to prevent Wigan from adding a third goal.
Latics started the second period brightly and almost found the net drew level in the first minute when Ollie Banks’ strike was saved by Christian Walton.
Sheridan’s men had a lot of the early possession, but clear cut chances were at a premium.
Wigan continued to come forward as Toney volleyed wide on the hour.
Sheridan made changes after 70 minutes bringing on Courtney Duffus and Darius Osei and they both almost made an immediate impact.
Duffus crossed into the box for Osei but the striker’s shot was blocked.
Latics were met by a stubborn Wigan defence that they struggled to break down.
The best chance for Latics came in the final minute when Ryan McLaughlin cut inside his defender but Walton saved the day.
Seconds later, Osei was put through by McLaughlin but he skied his effort, something that just about summed up Latics’ miserable afternoon.
Oldham Athletic (4-1-4-1): Ben Wilson; Dummigan, Gerrard, Clarke, Brian Wilson; Gardner; McLaughlin, Banks (Duffus 67), Hunt, Kyeremeh (Fawns 81), Holloway (Osei 67). Subs (not used): Davies, Edmundson, Mantack, Fane.
Goals: Toney (8), Jacobs (15) for Wigan.
Attendance: 5,446 (1,823 visitors)