OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3, BRADFORD CITY 0
Oldham Athletic can finally start looking up as opposed to down in Sky Bet League Two.
Two wins in the space of four days against Mansfield Town and Bradford City have brought some much-needed cheer having previously gone seven games without a win.
And mid-table is a far cry to not so long ago when their EFL existence had been in doubt as they languished near the foot of the table.
There was drama before a ball was even kicked with kick off delayed for half an hour after blustery conditions had loosened an advertising boarding high on the roof of the Jimmy Frizzell Stand at the Rochdale Road end.
A cherry picker was needed so emergency repairs could be carried out and spectators allowed into the ground.
The delay didn’t affect Latics who had victory sealed in the opening 45 minutes when they established a 3-0 lead through goals from Zak Dearnley, Jonny Smith and Mohammed Maouche.
Latics got off to a perfect start taking an 11th minute lead through Dearnley who seized on a slip from Anthony O’Connor as he raced clear to slot a shot past goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.
It was the first goal of Dearnley’s second spell at Boundary Park.
The impressive Jonny Smith doubled the lead in the 20th minute. He started and finished a counter attack with a shot that was a characteristically brilliant effort from range. He picked out the far bottom corner from just outside of the box.
Dino Maamria’s side continued to carve out chances as Carl Piergianni went close with a diving head which flew narrowly wide while Danny Rowe was denied a first goal at Boundary Park by a fine save from O’Donnell.
Latics went close to increasing their advantage in the 37th minute, Smith delivering a dangerous cross and Bradford defender Ben Richards-Everton could only head it over the top of his own crossbar.
Clayton Donaldson had a good chance to get Gary Bowyer’s side back into the contest, but he flicked his effort wide.
Latics completed a perfect 45 minutes when in stoppage time the ball was flicked to Maouche who had a tight angle but still managed to slot the ball through the legs of the oncoming O’Donnell.
The only downside of an impressive first half was goalscorer Dearnley having to be replaced due to injury.
Bradford showed signs of improvement in the early stages of the second half but Latics never looked in any real danger.
Smith continued to torment the Bradford defence and he cut inside before testing the Bradford stopper who saved but the rebound fell to Gevaro Nepomuceno who chose to go for goal rather than to tee up Danny Rowe and his low shot was well saved by O’Donnell.
Latics again almost had number four, this time skipper David Wheater beat the keeper with his diving header but was denied by a goalline clearance.
Shay McCartan forced a smart save from Zeus de la Paz from a free-kick from range and Ben Richards-Everton had a golden opportunity but he headed over.
In the 73rd minute, Maouche nearly doubled his tally for the afternoon, but was denied by an impressive stop from O’Donnell.
Bradford were perhaps lucky to end the game will 11, referee Ben Toner decided a yellow card was the appropriate punishment for Richards-Everton’s late foul on Maouche.
Latics’ fans will have enjoyed seeing Chris McCann, who recently signed up to an improved deal at Boundary Park, returning from his injury setback and come on for a late cameo.
Goals: Dearnley (11), Smith (20), Maouche (45+1).
Oldham Athletic: (4-4-2): de la Paz; Hamer, Wheater, Piergianni, Borthwick-Jackson; Smith, Sylla, Missilou (McCann 87), Nepomuceno (Mills 60); Dearnley (Maouche 31), Rowe. Subs (not used): Allen, Mills, Branger-Engone, Wilson, N’Guessan.
Attendance: 5,198 (1,925 visitors).