OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3, CHARLTON ATHLETIC 4
Ousmane Fane’s sending off proved Oldham Athletic’s undoing as they were beaten at home by Charlton Athletic in Sky Bet League One.
Latics had battled from 2-0 down to draw level and had the momentum with them until midfielder Fane was dismissed in the second half.
The Addicks seized on their numerical advantage to score two further goals to clinch victory as Latics have lost all seven games in league and cup following a miserable start to the campaign.
Latics have lost all five league games and only Northampton are below them and also pointless.
Charlton had raced into an early two-goal lead as Ricky Holmes and Tarique Fosu struck before Craig Davies pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.
Holmes was adjudged to have handled and Craig Davies fired past Ben Amos to reduce the arrears.
Latics drew level early in the second half as Eoin Doyle volleyed a goal on his debut.
Minutes later Fane was booked for the second time and Latics were suddenly on the back foot.
Billy Clarke put the visitors back ahead and Joe Dodoo scored a fourth.
But the gallant 10 men reduced the deficit to 4-3 through debutant Jack Byrne to set up an exciting finish.
Manager John Sheridan handed debuts to deadline day signings Kean Bryan and Eoin Doyle, while midfielder Byrne made his league debut for the club.
Charlton almost took the lead as Karlan Ahearue-Grant beat the offside trap but Ben Wilson quick off his line to deny him.
However, the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop Holmes’ opening goal after 18 minutes, a thunderbolt from 30 plus yards into the top corner.
One soon became two as the visitors doubled their lead through Fosu. The striker picked up the ball inside the penalty area, cut inside and fired past Wilson.
Sheridan made an early tactical change and replaced Ollie Banks with Fane.
Fane’s first contribution was a booking for a late challenge.
Latics gained a foothold back in the game when Holmes was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area and Davies stepped up and fired past Ben Amos.
It was all Latics in the final 10 minutes of the half as Davies and Dan Gardner both went close but their shots were blocked.
In additional time, Davies curled a shot towards the far post but Amos tipped it wide. From the resulting corner, Fane almost scored his first competitive goal for Latics but Amos managed to turn his effort from six yards over the crossbar.
Latics continued to dominate in the opening exchanges in the second half and deservedly equalised after 51 minutes.
The ball broke nicely for Doyle in the penalty area and he volleyed into the bottom corner to grab a debut goal.
The momentum was with Athletic but on 54 minutes, Fane was controversially shown a second yellow card. He won the ball, but allegedly referee Ross Joyce deemed his challenge was dangerously high.
The visitors retook the lead just after the hour through Clarke who slotted a Fosu pass beyond Wilson.
Charlton scored a fourth after 72 minutes as substitute Dodoo raced clear and slotted past Wilson.
Dodoo could have made it five with 10 minutes remaining but Wilson stood up well to deny the striker.
Latics displayed a never-say-die spirit and were rewarded with a third goal eight minutes from time. Doyle received the ball on the edge of the box, laid it inside to Byrne who bent home a shot from 20 yards.
Latics pushed for a fourth goal, but it was not to be as Charlton’s defence stood firm.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ben Wilson; Brian Wilson, Gerrard, Clarke, Hunt; Bryan (Fawns 77), Banks (Fane 26), Gardner, Byrne (Osei 90+2); Doyle, Davies. Subs (not used): Placide, Edmundson, Mantack.
Goals: Davies (34pen), Doyle (51), Byrne (82) for Oldham. Holmes (18)‚ Fosu (21)‚ Clarke (62)‚ Dodoo (72) for Charlton
Attendance: 3,592 (357 visitors)