Latics get new season off to a flying start

Latics laid the ghost of opening day blues to rest with an impressive 3-0 home win over newly-promoted Braintree Town on the opening day of the National League season in front of a crowd of over 5,000.

Latics had not won an opening league game for nearly 10 years and newly-appointed captain Tom Conlon produced a man of the match performance for Latics to give the fans plenty to be happy about, particularly with debutants Reagan Ogle, Manny Monthe, Harry Charsley and Jes Ughegbulam all impressing.

Latics opened the scoring after eight minutes when the ubiquitous Dan Gardner produced a world class 40-yard pass to set up Uchegbulam who calmly beat keeper Jacob Knightbridge.

Latics looked to have increased their lead on 24 minutes when Joseph Grimwood put into his own goal but an energetic and fired up Mike Fondop was penalised for a foul.

They doubled their lead midway through the first half when Ogle launched a long throw into the box.

Knightbridge failed to punch clear and the ball fell straight to Harry Charsley who calmly directed the ball into the net.

Latics survived a scare in first half stoppage time when Braintree had a chance to pull a goal back.

Ryan Camplin found himself clear in the box but, before he could shoot, Charlie Raglan pulled him down for a penalty.

Hudson guessed striker Inih Effiong’s shot correctly, diving to his right to push the ball away.

It meant that the home side could go into the break in control of the game.

Latics wrapped up the game on 57 minutes.

Ogle provided a neat pass to Hammond.

His shot was only partly saved but striker Mike Fondop pounced to hammer home the rebound.

Latics made four second half substitutions, including a first appearance for summer signing Jake Caprice as they continued to press forward.

Ultimately, they were unable to add to their total with substitute Alex Reid coming close near full-time.

“All over the pitch I am pleased,” said manager Micky Mellon.

“A first home win, first clean sheet, scoring goals, so we are up and running.

"We won’t get carried away and it was nice to see the Oldham fans with a big smile on their face.

“The good thing is that we can be better, that’s encouraging.

"We had one goal chalked off I don’t know what for.

"We could have had a couple more but all in all a satisfying start to the season.

"Over the pitch the boys worked their socks off.”

Mellon was very pleased with the contribution of the new signings, adding: “Absolutely, it’s an understatement!

“Braintree are a difficult team to play against."

Latics are back in action next Saturday when they travel to Wealdstone.

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