Oldham Athletic AFC 1 : 0 Fleetwood Town - Forte is spot on for Latics

Posted Sunday, September 07, 2014 by PA

Jonathan Forte was the match-winner as Oldham beat Fleetwood 1-0 to inflict on the Cod Army their first league defeat of the season.

Oldham had two clear openings in the first 20 minutes, but Forte and Danny Philliskirk were unable to hit the target from good positions.

Fleetwood pair Jamie Proctor and Steven Schumacher both forced saves from home goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, but Oldham deservedly went ahead on the stroke of half-time.

A counter-attack was ended by Schumacher's trip on Philliskirk, giving Forte the chance to drill home from the penalty spot for his fifth goal of the season.

Oldham almost doubled their lead after 54 minutes when Fleetwood defender Nathan Pond deflected a Mike Jones free-kick against his own crossbar.

Oldham debutant Dominic Poleon was denied by Chris Maxwell's save before Gareth Evans went close for the visitors with a shot that was held by Rachubka.

Evans also flashed an angled effort just wide from 20 yards, but Oldham's defence held out with few scares as the Latics recorded a third straight win in league and cup.