OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, ACCRINGTON STANLEY 3
Oldham Athletic’s heavy home defeat to Accrington Stanley in the Leasing.com Trophy was as unexpected as was the victory against Liverpool U21s.
It was a night to forget for head coach Dino Maamria’s sides as they lost to goals from Sadou Diallo, Offrande Zanzala and Jordan Clark and also had Dylan Fage sent off for a two-footed challenge.
Despite saying he would field a strong side as he wanted to progress in the competition, Maamria made five changes from the side held at home by high-flying Cheltenham three days earlier.
Into the new-look line-up came goalkeeper Gregor Zabret, Jamie Stott in defence, Dylan Fage midfield, Kielan Adams and Scott Wilson to the front line.
Oldham started the game brightly and nearly took the lead after four minutes when Stott’s header from Smith’s corner was well saved by Toby Savin.
Christopher Missilou was brought down outside the area and Smith tried his luck but was denied by the Accrington Stanley goalkeeper.
Missilou continued to cause Stanley problems as his strike went straight to Savin.
The visitors took the lead in the 30th minute after Accrington played a free-kick short to Diallo and he hit a stunning strike into the top corner.
John Coleman’s side continued to apply pressure and Jordan Clark’s shot forced Zabret into a smart stop.
Accrington doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when Tom Hamer brought down Lamin Kaba Sherif and the referee awarded a penalty which Zanzala converted as the ball squirmed under the body of Zabret.
Just before half-time, Maamria’s side was reduced to ten men after Fage received a straight red card for an ill-timed challenge.
After the restart, Zabret produced a super save to deny Diallo before Latics’ defence managed to clear the danger.
Oldham came close to pulling a goal back after Mohamad Sylla intercepted a pass and gave the ball to Scott Wilson who laid it off to Filipe Morais and his attempt on goal was tipped over the bar by Savin.
The visitors nearly added a third goal as Kaba Sherif broke clean through on goal, but he couldn’t find the target from a tight angle.
Accrington found the net again in the 86th minute when Clark slotted a shot past Zabret to seal their side’s win.
Goals: Diallo (30), Zanzala (42), Clark (86) for Accrington.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2):Zabret: Hamer, Stott, Egert, Iacovitti; Fage, Missilou (Smith-Brown 78), Sylla, Smith (Kokos 74); Adams (Morais 45), Wilson. Subs (not used): Allen, Wheater, Gonzales, Kokos.
Attendance 1,107 (177 visitors).