CREWE ALEX 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Richie Wellens can do no wrong as Oldham Athletic’s caretaker manager after his side made it three wins out of three since he took temporary charge with victory at Crewe Alexandra in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Jack Byrne’s 25-yard strike late in the opening half to give Latics four points from their first two group games.
Wellens made four changes to the side that beat Portsmouth on Saturday as Abdelhakim Omrani and Queensy Menig came in for their first competitive starts for Latics while Brian Wilson and Anthony Gerrard won recalls.
The players to lose out were Cameron Dummigan, who was on international duty, while captain Peter Clarke, Gevaro Nepomuceno and Craig Davies were rested.
Latics knocked the ball around with purpose and energy and were almost rewarded with the opening goal after 14 minutes.
Omrani delivered a teasing ball across the box but it was just slightly ahead of the onrushing Eoin Doyle.
The striker almost gave Athletic the lead after 18 minutes as he met a Byrne cross, but goalkeeper David Richards made a great save.
Minutes later, the pair combined for a second time as Doyle raced through on goal but his shot towards the bottom corner was tipped wide as Latics controlled the opening half.
Menig went close to the first goal as he danced clear before forcing a save from Richards.
The breakthrough came after 42 minutes. Menig played the ball across the box to Doyle and he laid it into the path of Byrne whose drive from 25 yards found the net.
Latics almost extended their lead five minutes of the second half as Menig checked inside from 25 yards and shot but it went wide of Richards’ goal.
At the other end, the Railwaymen started to cause Latics problems as Johny Placide was forced to make a late clearance to deny the home side going through on goal.
On the hour, Crewe midfielder George Cooper curled towards the top corner but Placide made an important save.
The same player tried a similar effort two minutes later but this time it was deflected for a corner.
The goalkeeper was tested again after 73 minutes but he stood up well to deny substitute Callum Ainley from close range.
Latics were forced into last ditch defending as Rob Hunt headed off the line from Michael Raynes’ header.
It continued to be a nervy ending with Zoumana Bakayogo volleying over after 83 minutes and in the final minute of the game, Placide had to make a double save to ensure Latics picked up the three points.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Placide; Wilson, Gerrard, Bryan, Hunt; Gardner, Omrani (Banks 82), Fane, Byrne; Menig (Obadeyi), Doyle. Subs (not used): Wilson, Clarke, Hamer, Fawns, Nepomuceno.
Goal: Byrne (42) for Oldham.
Attendance: 976 (177 visitors).