BRADFORD CITY 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3
Davis Keillor-Dunn and Alfie McCalmont scored their first goals for Oldham Athletic whose win at Bradford City maintained their 100 per cent record in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Latics, already assured of a place in the knockout stage before the game, made it three wins out of three in what was the Checkatrade Trophy.
After previous victories against Wolves U21s and Doncaster Rovers, Harry Kewell’s side sealed victory with two late strikes from McCalmont, the midfielder who is on loan from Bradford’s Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United
It was a night in which Kewell rotated his squad as the game came only two days after their Emirates FA Cup win at Hampton and Richmond.
It was all change for both sides after their cup exploits at the weekend.
Latics made seven from the team that started their match at non-league Hampton and Richmond.
There was a debut for new signing Raphael Diarra, the former AS Monaco player who played against Tottenham in the Europa League five years ago.
Defender Tom Hamer returned after a period of self-isolation while second-year scholar Will Sutton was given a first professional game in the centre of defence.
The Bantams made 10 changes from the side that won 7-0 at Tonbridge Angels in the FA Cup, Paudie O’Connor the only player to keep his place.
Latics’ extra experience showed as they went ahead in the seventh minute.
Danny Rowe held up the ball superbly before releasing Keillor-Dunn to race through to slot hie a low shot.
It was the first goal scored by the 23-year-old Scot, a summer signing, in his 12th appearance.
Latics had chances to double their lead but Callum Whelan’s drive was well saved by Sam Hornby who also pulled off a super stop to deny the same player while Aussie George Blackwood fired wide when he ought to have hit the target.
Latics’ keeper Ian Lawlor was extended twice to deny Finn Cousin-Dawson and Connor Shanks to help preserve the lead.
Keillor-Dunn must still be wondering how he didn’t get a second when he was put through on the left only for Hornby to pull off an unbelievable save.
How Latics paid for not taking their chances as Bradford equalised after an hour.
Sutton, under pressure at the near post, headed a Tyler French cross past his own keeper.
Suddenly the momentum was with the Bantams and Levi Sutton headed against the crossbar following a corner.
Diarra’s debut ended prematurely with 20 minutes left after he limped off with what appeared a tight hamstring.
Latics regained the lead with six minutes left when a slick passing move ended with McCalmont finding the top corner with a shot from the edge of the box which looked to be struck with the outside of his foot.
And Latics made absolutely certain of victory in the third minute of stoppage time when Keillor-Dunn turned provider with the assist for McCalmont to slot home his second and the team’s third.