OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, BURTON ALBION 1
Oldham Athletic missed out on a £54,000 winners’ cheque as they lost at home to Burton Albion in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.
More importantly, though, Liam Boyce’s matchwinner for the Brewers denied Latics the chance of as lucrative third-round tie.
There was no upset at Boundary Park as League One triumphed over League Two with Burton again displaying their cup pedigree – remember last season how they made the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Latics had two new signings on the bench – free agents, midfielder David Jones and striker Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro.
After an evenly-contested opening, Burton began to take control and took a 23rd minute lead.
Colin Daniel found his way to the by-line before delivering a delightful cross that found Boyce who had the simplest of finishes to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Latics were forced into a change in the 29th minute with Mohammed Maouche replacing the injured Christopher Missilou.
Dino Maamria’s men started to get into the game towards the end of the first half and had a string of corners with Jonny Smith having the best chance for the hosts but his shot was well saved by Kieran O’Hara.
The Brewers had the better of the opening exchanges in the second half, Joe Sbarra’s shot brilliantly blocked by Jamie Stott.
Moments later there was a nervy moment for Latics forward Desire Segbe Azankpo when his scuffed clearance from a Burton corner nearly found its way into his own net.
Latics eventually grew into the game and in the 58th minute Azankpo had a speculative effort that didn’t cause any threat to the Burton goal then six minutes later the forward set up Maouche whose smart footwork allowed him a chance to get a shot away but the keeper was equal to the Frenchman’s effort.
Burton missed a glorious opportunity to double their advantage on the break but substitute Scott Fraser shot wide.
Latics were incensed when referee Andy Davies failed to show Brewers’ keeper a straight red card when he blatantly handled the ball outside of the area.
The match official produced a yellow whereas Liverpool goalkeeper Allison Becker had been dismissed the same day for an identical offence which again underlined the glaring inconsistencies.
Despite a barrage of late pressure, Latics were unable to find a goal to earn a replay in what turned out to be a hugely disappointing afternoon.
Oldham Athletic (4-2-3-1):De La Paz; Hamer, Wheater, Stott, Iacovitti (Wilson 86); McCann, Missilou (Maouche 29); Mills, Morais, Smith; Azankpo (Akpa Akpro 77). Subs (not used): Woods, Fage, Jones, Sylla.
Goal: Boyce (23) for Burton.
Attendance: 2,858 (359 visitors).