OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, BLACKPOOL 1
AFTER back-to-back defeats to Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic, there was no underestimating the importance of the home win against Blackpool.
It lifted Latics out of the relegation places, renewing the believe they can stay in Sky Bet League One.
But Latics had to do it the hard way after falling behind in the opening half to a goal from Kyle Vassell.
But they hit back in the second period with goals from substitute Jack Byrne and Eoin Doyle to snatch victory.
Manager Richie Wellens made three changes from the Good Friday loss as Wigan as youngster George Edmundson was preferred to Brian Wilson at centre back, Patrick McEleney to Byrne in midfield while Duckens Nazon took over from the injured Craig Davies up front.
Latics to take an early lead as Rob Hunt’s cross found Doyle at the near post, but he could not connect properly and Joe Lumley saved.
Ousmane Fane then intercepted a ball 25 yards from goal, but elected to shoot instead of passing to Doyle who was free on his left.
The best chance of the half for Latics came after 15 minutes as Nazon rolled his man and struck a shot from the edge of the box. Lumley parried to Doyle six yards from goal, but the goalkeeper somehow kept him out.
Wilfried Moimbe’s cross hit Doyle midway through the half, but the ball flew over the crossbar.
For all Latics’ possession, they were hit on the counter attack and fell behind after 37 minutes.
A cross into the box by Colin Daniel found Vassell at the front post who guided the ball beyond Johny Placide to give the visitors the lead.
Latics needed a response after the break and almost netted an equaliser after 47 minutes when McEleney crossed for Doyle who glanced his header goalwards, but it went inches over the crossbar.
Wellens made his first change as he introduced Byrne and he made an immediate impact by netting the equaliser on the hour.
After a corner was partially cleared, he received the ball on the edge of the box and fired into the top corner to draw Latics level.
A host of changes for both sides followed as Wellens looked to mastermind a way past the Blackpool defence.
Latics looked the more dangerous of the two sides to grab the winner and they went close after 80 minutes to finding the winner when Hunt raced at the defence, cut the ball back to Byrne who shot but it trickled wide.
It was all Latics and they did manage to find the winner after 85 minutes through Doyle who headed home Byrne’s corner.
Blackpool threw everything at Latics in the final couple of minutes but stood resolutely to pick up the valuable three points.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Placide: Hunt, Edmundson, Bryan, Moimbe; McEleney (Holloway 75), Fane, Gardner, Pringle (Byrne 58); Doyle, Nazon (Obadeyi 67). Subs (not used): De La Paz, Wilson, Nepomuceno, Benteke.
Goals: Byrne (60), Doyle (85) for Oldham, Vassell (37) for Blackpool.
Attendance: 4,309 (660 visitors).