OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, GRIMSBY TOWN 0
Pete Wild made a triumphant return as Oldham Athletic’s temporary head coach as they beat Grimsby Town at Boundary Park
It ended a run of six games without a victory which was followed by the resignation of Manchester United legend.
Wild, appointed until the summer, got off to the best possible start in a clash involving the bottom two teams in the League Two form table.
Goals either side of half time from Chris O’Grady and Callum Lang erased some of the recent disappointments as Latics played their first game in 18 days following the postponements of games against Tranmere Rovers and Newport County.
Wild made three changes with Nottingham Forest loanee Alex Iacovitti making his first appearance for the club at left-back while there were also recalls for O’Grady and Johan Branger-Engone.
It was Latics, with four players back from international duty, who started on the front foot.
But it was the Mariners who carved out the first clear-cut chance when Wes Thomas’ header was superbly tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.
Just before the half hour mark, Iacovovitti drove into the box and played a quick one-two with O’Grady before his powerful effort was tipped round the post by keeper James McKeown.
Tom Hamer then released Branger-Engone who skilfully beat two players before his shot was blocked by McKeown.
Latics took the lead shortly before the interval when Lang’s cross found O’Grady whose deflected effort beat McKeown.
Nepomuceno nearly doubled Latics’ lead with a shot from range that stung the hands of McKeown.
After the interval Latics continued where they left off when Lang’s deflected effort was saved well.
Grimsby were nearly level twice in a matter of seconds when Harry Clifton hit the bar and Ludvig Ohman was brilliantly denied by Iversen.
O’Grady nearly scored his and Latics’ second when a shot was turned round the post by McKeown.
Latics finally sealed victory after 77 minutes when Maouche’s corner was headed home by Lang.
As the game came to a close, Latics held strong and resolute for an important and well-deserved victory.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2):Iversen, Hamer, Edmundson, Clarke, Iacovitti; Branger-Engone, Missilou, Maouche, Nepomuceno (Dearnley 69); O’Grady, Lange. Subs (not used): Coke, Vera, de la Paz, Sefil, Hunt, Sylla.
Attendance: 3,998 (777 visitors).