OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2, TRANMERE ROVERS 0
Callum Lang put a dent in Tranmere Rovers’ promotion hopes as Oldham Athletic ended the Wirral side’s scintillating run of seven straight wins and nine games without loss.
The on-loan Wigan Athletic striker scored both goals to take his season’s total to 14 goals.
Rovers, who are in the play-off spots and pushing for automatic promotion, brought 2,342 fans to Boundary Park expecting another success against inconsistent Latics.
It was a massive upset, though Rovers will be disappointed to leave empty handed after enjoying 54-per-cent possession and having 11 goal attempts to Latics’ seven.
Interim head coach Pete Wild’s side, which enjoyed back-to-back victories, in fairness defended superbly with the whole of the back line superb while the midfield worked tirelessly.
After Saturday’s home win against Grimsby Town ended a six-match spell without a victory, Wild named an unchanged team.
Latics started well with Mohamed Maouche having an early shot well saved by Scott Davies.
Much to everybody’s surprise Latics took a seventh minute lead when Lang picked up the ball on the left and cut inside before firing low past Davies, a fabulous solo effort.
As the visitors looked to equalise, Micky Mellon’s side dominated possession but failed to produce any clear-cut chances.
Tranmere’s first clear-cut chance came when a free kick from former Latics’ player Ollie Banks was punched out by Daniel Iversen.
Kieron Morris dragged a shot wide, Emmanuel Monthe’s effort skimmed the crossbar and Jonathan Smith was denied by Iversen as Rovers stepped on the gas.
Latics remained under pressure in the second half until just after the hour when Maouche’s deflected pass released Lang who forged forward before firing low past Davies.
Five minutes later Lang had a chance to complete a hat-trick, but his shot didn’t trouble Davies.
Latics defended well in the last half hour and Rovers never looked like producing a fightback to extend their impressive run.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2):Iversen, Hamer, Edmundson, Clarke, Iacovitti; Branger-Engone, Missilou, Maouche, Nepomuceno; O’Grady (Sylla 80), Lang. Subs (not used): Taylor, Coke, de la Paz, Benteke, Sefil, Hunt.
Attendance: 5,143 (2,342 Away)