OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3, ROCHDALE 1
Two late goals from Eoin Doyle ensured it was derby day delight for Oldham Athletic who beat neighbours Rochdale at SportsDirect.com Park.
They ended the stalemate after Dale looked set to leave with a point until Doyle’s late intervention with one of his strikes a goal-of-the-season contender.
Right-back Cameron Dummigan had earlier given Latics a second-minute lead only for Dale to draw level through Matt Done after quarter of an hour.
Manager Richie Wellens recalled Anthony Gerrard to the starting line up for his first start since September 23 against Rotherham United as he replaced captain Peter Clarke.
And it was a dream start for Latics as they took the lead in second minute when a quick throw in down the line saw Gevaro Nepomuceno cross to the back post where defender Dummigan headed home.
Latics created all the chances as they looked to extend their lead as Doyle’s shot was deflected for a corner while Nepomuceno volleyed over the crossbar.
Dale weathered the early storm and became a threat as Ian Handerson’s overhead kick was well saved by Johny Placide before the equaliser arrived in the 16th minute.
Dummigan went from hero to zero as his misplaced header back to Placide was intercepted by Done capitalised who rolled the ball beyond Placide.
Craig Davies had two opportunities not long after to regain the lead for Latics, but dragged a shot wide and then saw a header comfortably saved by Josh Lillis.
On the half hour, the Dale stopper had to be alert as Jack Byrne curled towards the top left-hand corner but he got a strong fist to clear.
Latics continued to be a threat in attack as Davies released Dan Gardner whose goalbound shot deflected wide.
Five minutes before the break, Latics were almost ahead for a second time when Dale defender Joe Rafferty was ushering the ball out of play, but Nepomuceno dispossessed him, but defender Harrison McGahey cleared the cross was about to be converted by Doyle.
Latics started the second half much the same as they started the game, creating further chances as Davies was denied by Lillis who also made an outstanding stop by deny Doyle.
Dale’s Ian Henderson broke free and had the opportunity to shoot, but Dummigan was back in the nick of time to put the striker off and deny Dale taking the lead.
Gerrard limped off to be replaced by Clarke and moments later Davies made way for Aaron Amadi-Holloway who made an immediate impact as he raced at the defence, but shot into the side netting.
Doyle’s persistence and work rate was exceptional and he was rewarded after 83 minutes as he put Latics back ahead when Gardner’s free kick was only cleared to the striker who drilled home a low shot.
Three minutes later, Doyle put the game beyond doubt with what will certainly be a contender for goal of the season.
The striker latched on to a header clearance and instinctively volleyed over Lillis from all of 35 yards to seal victory.
Latics did not rest on that lead and wanted more in the final minutes of the game.
Amadi-Holloway fired wide in the 92nd minute while two minutes later, Doyle almost had a hat-trick, but he could not convert Dummigan’s low cross.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Placide, Dummigan, Bryan, Gerrard (Clarke 85), Hunt: Nepomuceno, Fane, Gardner, Byrne (Menig 78); Davies (Amadi-Holloway 77), Doyle. Subs not used: Ben Wilson, Green, Omrani, Duffus.
Goals: Dummigan (2), Doyle (83, 86) for Latics. Done 16 for Rochdale.
Attendance: 6,129 (1,283 visitors).