ROTHERHAM 5, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Oldham Athletic suffered a dramatic late collapse in their Sky Bet League One defeat at Rotherham United that proved to be manager John Sheridan’s death knell.
Latics, who looked set to pick up a valuable point at the New York Stadium, went down after conceding four goals in the last 17 minutes.
And with Sheridan accusing his players of giving up, his post-match comments strongly suggested he knew his job was on the line – he was sacked on Monday.
Though the club statement referred to an amicable parting, it referred to disappointing results as Latics had won only once in 11 league and cup games.
Craig Davies’ fifth goal in as many games had looked set to earn a draw after it cancelled an early goal from Michael Ihiekwe.
But the game unravelled late on as Kieffer Moore scored twice while there were further goals from substitutes Anthony Forde and Jerry Yates.
Sheridan made one change to the side which was beaten by league leaders Shrewsbury Town last weekend, and that was enforced as Tope Obadeyi came in to replace the suspended Eoin Doyle.
Davies had the first shot of the game, but fired wide of Marek Rodak’s goal.
Jack Ruddy was forced into action early on as he made an excellent one-handed save to deny Ben Purrington from 25 yards.
However, from the following corner, the Millers took the lead through central defender Ihiekwe. After Kieffer Moore had hit the crossbar with a header, the centre half bundled the ball into the net.
Latics were level after 21 minutes. A low corner into the box from Jack Byrne found Davies and he guided the ball beyond Rodak with a deft touch.
That was Davies’ fifth goal in five consecutive games and minutes later, his strike partner Obadeyi should have put Latics ahead.
It was again Byrne who put the ball through for Obadeyi but the striker fired wide of the far post from inside the penalty area.
Davies felt he should have been awarded a penalty just before the half hour mark but the referee waved away his protests.
Sheridan was forced to make a change after 30 minutes as Ryan McLaughlin was carried off with what looked like a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Cameron Dummigan.
The home side finished the half the better as Richard Wood volleyed over and Jon Taylor almost caught Ruddy off guard, but the goalkeeper saved well.
Latics were forced on the back foot at the start of the second half as Moore was denied by keeper Ruddy and Lee Frecklington dragged a shot wide.
Queensy Menig and Abdelhakim Omrani replaced Dan Gardner and Obadeyi whilst the home side brought on Joe Newell who almost made an immediate impact, but he dragged his shot wide.
Davies volleyed over as Latics were taking the game to the home side, and there was no inkling of what drama lay ahead in the latter stages.
Williams set off on a mazy run, fired at goal which Ruddy saved but Moore slotted home the loose ball.
Four minutes later and it was 3-1 to the hosts as Moore rose highest from a corner and powered a header past Ruddy.
Latics did not give up and Byrne forced a smart save from goalkeeper Rodak and Peter Clarke fired into the side netting.
However, two goals in two minutes sealed a win for the home side.
Newell cut the ball back to Forde who stroked home a shot from inside the penalty area.
And it was quickly 5-1 for the Millers as substitute Yates fired home from close range to complete the rout.
Oldham Athletic (3-5-2): Ruddy, Edmundson, Gerrard, Clarke; McLaughlin (Dummigan 32), Gardner (Omrani 62), Bryan, Byrne, Nepumeceno; Obadeyi (Menig 62), Davies. Subs (not used): Placide, Hunt, Fane, Banks.
Goals: Ihiekwe (8), Moore (74, 78), Forde (88), Yates (89) for Rotherham. Davies (21) for Oldham.
Attendance: 8,250 (825 visitors)