ROCHDALE 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Oldham Athletic won at Rochdale in the El Flatcapico to remain on the shirt tails of the top teams in Vanarama National League.
It was a huge victory for Latics who ended a five-match winless run at AFC Fylde on Saturday as they climbed to fourth place after this triumph in the clash of the mill town neighbours.
Mike Fondop’s first-half header – his 14th league goal of the season – separated the sides as Latics retained the Ernie Cooksey Trophy, the silverware in memory of the midfielder who played for both sides but who died aged only 28 through skin cancer.
Latics’ seventh away league win also extended their excellent record against Dale – they are now unbeaten on their last eight league games against them stretching back to 2016.
Dale, who had won three of their previous four league games, will be disappointed following a third home league loss of the season as they lacked a cutting edge.
Yet, Dale made a lively start and had chances to be comfortably ahead.
Top scorer Kairo Mitchell was put clean through inside 75 seconds but rolled the ball wide with only keeper Matt Hudson to beat.
Devante Rodney then whipped a dangerous low ball across the face of goal with nobody able to convert.
Left back Jid Okeke, who is on loan from Stockport County, then made a slalom run half the length of the pitch evading a series of challenges before firing narrowly over from just outside the box.
Latics’ first chance in the 16th minute saw Billy Waters had a goalbound shot blocked and deflected for a corner.
Micky Mellon’s side was ahead moments later when the corner was recycled and Tom Pett crossed to the far post for Fondop to head home his 14th league goal of the season.
Latics could have doubled their advantage after 25 minutes when Waters was clean through only for home keeper Sam Waller to spread himself well to block.
There was a dearth of chances for more than 45 minutes – plenty of endeavour – but a distinct lack of quality in the final third from either side.
Latics almost doubled their lead in the 71st minute when new signing Joe Worthington – he has joined from MK Dons where his contract was terminated – threaded a great through ball to release Fondop, but Waller stood up tall to block.
The lively Waters then went close as a drive from distance narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Dale began to exert pressure in pursuit of a late leveller, though chances remained at a premium.
Their best opening came when Mitchell glanced a header well wide from a corner.
Latics ought to have sewn up victory in the third of four added minutes when substitute Josh Kay breached the offside trap and cut inside only for Waller to come up with another big save.