Latics up to fifth thanks to victory over Barnet

Double spot-kick hero James Norwood. Image courtesy of OAFC

Striker James Norwood scored a penalty either side of half-time to hand Latics a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Barnet.

The three points lifted Micky Mellon's side up to fifth in the National League table.

Latics, who notched a fourth straight victory, took the lead seven minutes before the break after top scorer Norwood was brought down in the penalty area and fired the resulting spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Mike Fondop - who had tested Barnet goalkeeper Josh Keeley as the second half got under way - was felled in the area after 51 minutes and Norwood made no mistake as he picked out the top corner with some force for his second penalty of the night, to take his league tally to 16 for the season.

Callum Stead sent a header against a post as third-placed Barnet failed in their attempt to pull a goal back, while at the other end Keeley pushed Latics debutant Tom Conlon's free-kick onto a post - but the points were already safe.

Latics are back in action on Saturday when they host struggling Woking.

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