Latics ease into FA Cup first round proper

A superb performance from Kane Drummond helped Latics to an impressive 4-2 FA Cup victory over National League opponents and near neighbours Halifax Town.

The 23-year-old striker, who made his first start since signing on loan from Chesterfield earlier this month, played his part in three of Oldham’s four first half goals as the side booked their place in the first-round proper.

Latics took the lead after 10 minutes through Mike Fondop.

After Drummond’s handiwork, Josh Lundstram found himself in space in the Halifax penalty area and his low cross was turned in by the striker from the edge of the six-yard box.

At the other end Scott High immediately had a chance for the visitors, firing wide from 20 yards.

Oldham came close on 23 minutes after some good play from Drummond with Lundstram almost increased the lead but his shot was cleared off the line.

Approaching the half hour, Latics went 2-0 up.

Again, Drummond was involved, beating keeper Sam Johnson but his shot was blocked and the impressive Lundstram netted the rebound.

Fondop then grabbed his second, bringing his total to seven for the season, making it 3-0 after 31 minutes.

He pressed keeper Johnson, forced an error and then coolly slotted home.

There was still time for two more goals before the break.

Halifax, who had been outclassed, replied after 36 minutes when Billy Water’s low shot beat Matthew Hudson in the Latics goal to make it 3-1.

And after Fondop came close to achieving a first half hat trick when he fired over on 39 minutes, Latics did score a fourth shortly before half time, when Will Sutton’s right-wing cross was deflected into the Halifax net by Scott High to restore the three-goal lead.

The second half saw Halifax move to three at the back as they sought to get back in the game and they started to test the Latics defence more than previously.

They came close on 65 minutes when Andrew Oluwabori’s cross was parried by Hudson but the ball bounced off the oncoming Billy Waters and went wide for a goal kick.

Latics responded with second half substitute Josh Kay producing a fine save from Johnson and then Kay’s goal bound shot was deflected wide on 72 minutes

On 77 minutes Halifax pulled a goal back to give the visiting fans in the 3,246 crowd some hope of a revival.

They were awarded a free kick on the left-hand side.

Substitute Florent Hoti floated the ball into the box and Jo Cummings rose unmarked to head home.

But Oldham kept their resilience, with three more substitutions, Jes Uchegbulam, James Norwood and Jake Caprice, replacing Drummond, Fondop and Reagan Ogle, to book their passage into tomorrow’s FA Cup draw.

Manager Micky Mellon said: “First half excellent, second half we didn’t defend as well.

"It is a good result but we have to defend better.

"The important thing is we are scoring goals.

"The first half we blew Halifax away and it could have been more.

"The second half Halifax came right after it and made it difficult for us. In terms of result I am delighted for the football club.”

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