CARLISLE UNITED 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
New head coach Dino Maamria has quickly identified one of their key deficiencies, the lack of a proven goalscorer.
Maamria bemoaned Latics’ lack of a cutting edge as he tasted a first defeat following a 3-1 debut victory at home to Morecambe.
An early goal from Olufela Olomola earned the Cumbrians maximum points as they won for the first time since the opening day of the season in this battle involving two struggling sides, though this was Latics’ first loss in five league games.
Gary Woods returned in goal after injury in place of Zeus de la Paz, the one change from the side that won the previous weekend.
Carlisle, who have also been down on their luck, made the breakthrough in the third minute with what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
Nathan Thomas found Harry McKirdy whose trickery created space for Olomola to run onto the ball in the box and neatly finish.
Minutes later and the Cumbrians could have doubled their lead when Woods saved Olomola’s shot before Mohemmed Sagaf hit the rebound well over the crossbar.
Latics responded with a number of half chances as the hosts sat deep.
The most notable effort came when at the third time of asking on the half hour when Filipe Morais’ cross found Johan Branger-Engone whose header trickling past the post after home goalkeeper Adam Collin did well on previous attacks to divert the danger.
As the opening 45 drew to a close, it was a lacklustre performance from both sides
Maamria’s side came out brighter after the break.
A corner in the in the 47th minute found Morais unmarked at the back post and with time but he was unable to hit the target.
Seconds later and Mohamed Maouche saw a shot flash past the post.
Steven Pressley’s team responded with substitute Hallam Hope missing a glorious chance to double their lead after McKirdy laid the ball on a plate for the attacker before he guided it wide.
A double change failed to reinvigorate the side as it was Woods who denied Ryan Loft after Tom Hamer was beaten in the 75th minute, while Woods saved from Olomola minutes later.
Late on a Maouche free kick, invitingly placed towards the back post, wasn’t converted. Christopher Missilou’s header was easily saved by Collin as Latics left Brunton Park empty handed.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Woods, Mills, Wheater, Iacovitti, Hamer; Branger-Engone (Fage 73), Sylla, Missilou, Morais (Eagles 64), Maouche, Azankpo (Wilson 64).
Goal: Olomola (3) for Carlisle.
Attendance: 4,321 (516 visitors).