Strugglers Fylde stun Latics

Latics lost 3-0 at AFC Fylde

Latics' unbeaten run and rise up the National League table came to an abrupt halt last night (Tuesday) when bottom of the table AFC Fylde convincingly beat Micky Mellon’s side 3-0 in front of 1,300 traveling Oldham fans.

Prior to the game, Latics had not lost a game in all competitions since losing 3-0 to Bromley in mid-September, winning five and drawing three, and had not even gone behind in any of those matches.

All that changed at Fylde.

It was a sluggish performance as Latics seemed to still be recovering from the marathon 118 minutes played beating Rochdale 4-3 on Saturday

For Mellon’s second game in charge, the Latics side showed one change from the Rochdale win with Harrison McGahey dropping to the bench to be replaced by Mark Shelton.

From kick-off they seemed to be second best and were punished with two early goals in quick succession.

Ustabasi put them ahead after ten minutes and, shortly afterwards, Josh Kay’s fine shot beat Hudson.

From then onwards it was an uphill battle for Oldham, made worse when captain Liam Hogan was dismissed for two bookings shortly before half time, and it was only a minute before the break when Latics mustered their first shot on goal.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Latics seemingly outrun in midfield and struggling to get any real rhythm going.

The home side were in control and Hudson was forced to make some useful saves.

However, to add the icing on the cake for the home side and cap a miserable night for Latics, three minutes into stoppage time Ustabasi grabbed his second to ensure a miserable night on the road for Mellon's men.

The result means that Latics are still looking to get into the top ten of the National League, and sit in 11th position.

Their next game will be a tough one when they host Altrincham at Boundary Park on Saturday.

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