BRADFORD CITY 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
It was all change as Oldham Athletic won at Bradford City to book their place in the third round of the Checkatade Trophy.
Manager Richie Wellens shook up his side making six alterations to the one that lost at Southend United in the league three days earlier.
And it was one of the promoted squad men who came up trumps as Tope Obedeyi scored the all-important goal after only three minutes.
Latics played well throughout, thoroughly deserved the win and they also claimed a third clean sheet in four games.
They made the perfect start when Ryan Flynn found Obadeyi on the right and he cut in and struck with his left foot from the edge of the box and found the bottom corner.
Bradford almost conjured an equaliser from a free kick after seven minutes, but Shay McCartan curled his effort wide.
But Latics took control of the game and completely dominated the first half.
They were almost two goals ahead after 14 minutes as Obadeyi, who was a threat on the right hand side, cut past his man once again but his low cross was cleared.
Dan Gardner, one of the survivors from the weekend, had a shot blocked on the half hour while Obadeyi had a shot from a similar distance also blocked.
Wellens’ men searched for their second and almost found it 10 minutes before the end of the half as Flynn drove into space but fired wide from 25 yards.
Brian Wilson had a volley blocked while Paul Green forced Bradford goalkeeper Lukas Raeder into a save.
Bradford made a change at the break and brought on former Athletic striker Dominic Poleon in place of Alex Gilliead.
Latics almost doubled their lead in the first minute of the second half as Gardner delivered a good cross into the box but Doyle could not connect.
Former Latics’ player Dominic Poleon found the net, but had his effort ruled out for offside.
Paul Green found Eoin Doyle after 70 minutes but the striker volleyed wide from the edge of the box.
Wellens brought on Ryan McLaughlin who made his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury against Rotherham United.
He made an immediate impact as he raced down the left hand side and crossed but the goalkeeper dealt with the danger.
Bradford substitute Paul Taylor fired wide after 83 minutes as the hosts looked to get back into the game.
Latics almost made sure of victory after 89 minutes but Obadeyi’s strike from 25 yards hit the outside of the post and went wide.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Placide; Dummigan, Bryan, Gerrard, Wilson; Nepomuceno (McLaughlin 77), Green, Gardner (Omrani 80), Flynn (Fane 69); Obadeyi, Doyle. Subs (not used): Wilson, Clarke, Menig, Davies.
Goal: Obadeyi (3) for Latics.
Attendance: 1,036 (150 visitors)