BRADFORD CITY 2, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Defeats rarely are as cruel as Oldham Athletic’s last-gasp Sky Bet League Two loss at Bradford City.
Lee Angol scored a dramatic match-winning penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time – only five had been signally by referee Stephen Martin.
Latics had moments earlier silenced the home fans among the 17,264 crowd for Derek Adams’ first home match as manager when Dylan Bahamboula equalised in the second additional minute.
Angol, a summer signing from Leyton Orient, had given the Bantams a 32nd minute lead at the Utilita Energy Stadium and that had looked to be the winner until the hosts had to win the game for a second time in the closing stages.
Once again head coach Keith Curle was absent for the Roses battle after contracting Covid-19 with Colin West and Alan Sheehan again taking charge. They named four changes to the side which beat Tranmere Rovers on penalties in the Carabao Cup with Jamie Hopcutt being handed his debut, Latics’ 12th summer signing following his move from Israeli club Hapoel Kfar Saba.
The hosts had the first opportunity of the game when Angol headed wide from Callum Cooker’s free kick.
Adams’ side should have taken the lead as a corner found Gareth Evans as he headed over from inside the six-yard box.
In the 32nd minute, Angol netted his first goal for the club, a sweetly struck half volley from outside the penalty area after Andy Cook headed on O’Donnell’s long clearance into his path.
Goalkeeper Danny Rogers was hurt. He completed the match but was clearly carrying a knock.
Latics almost equalised immediately when Davis Keillor-Dunn was denied by goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell’s point-blank save.
Early into the second-half, Carl Piergianni saw a towering header from a corner cleared off the line.
The Bantams could have gone 2-0 ahead when substitute Charles Verman released Angol who blazed over when well placed.
Latics had another chance as Keillor-Dunn turned his marker, but he bent a shot past the upright.
The equaliser belatedly arrived in the 92nd minute as Hallam Hope made a great run before setting up Bahamboula who curled a deflected effort into the far corner to the delight of the 1,119 traveling fans.
However, disaster struck for Latics when Keillor-Dunn failed to clear danger. Cook dribbled at Piergianni and the club captain clumsily tripped him with the referee pointing to the spot. Angol stepped up and slotted his penalty in the right-hand bottom corner past the injured Rogers.
Oldham Athletic: Rogers, Clarke (Blyth 89), Hart, Cisse, Piergianni, Adams (Dearnley 76), Whelan, Keillor-Dunn, Stobbs, Bahamboula, Hopcutt (Hope 53). Subs (not used): Danielewicz, Fage, Jameson, Diarra.
Goals: Angol, 32, 98, for Bradford. Bahamboula, 92, for Oldham.
Attendance: 17,264 (1,119 visitors)