Rampant Latics are too hot for Boston

Two goals in either half under the floodlights at Boundary Park saw Latics move up to fourth in the National League table and four points from the top in a comfortable win over relegation-threatened Boston United.

The scoreline was a repeat of the 4-0 defeat of Tamworth earlier in the month and this result also means that Latics have kept a clean sheet for four successive league games.

Oldham, who had seen their game at local rivals Rochdale postponed on Saturday, made just one change from their last game against Tamworth, Charlie Raglan returning from injury to replace Will Sutton in defence.

The match got off to a blistering start in front of a crowd of 5,013, with Oldham immediately asserting their dominance.

It took just eight minutes for them to take the lead when some fine work from Reagan Ogle found striker James Norwood.

Josh Lundstram took his fine pass well and fired past Aidan Stone in the Boston United goal.

Latics continued to press the visitors defence hard with Sam Clucas and Jake Caprice both having efforts before they doubled their lead on 20 minutes.

This time it was Lundstram who set up the assist for Norwood with a fantastic ball which the striker took well and scored with aplomb.

Oldham continued to control the first half with Norwood and Josh Stones causing problems for the Pilgrims, whose one clear first half chance came just before half time when Jacob Hazel hit the bar when it seemed easier to score, but, in any event, he was adjudged to be offside.

The early moments of the second half lacked the intensity of the first 45 minutes but, when Boston, through Keaton Ward in particular, looked to get their side back in the game, Latics defended resolutely.

Meanwhile Lundstram headed over Stones’s cross on the hour mark and within a minute Norwood saw his shot pushed away.

Latics extended their lead after 68 minutes when a tremendous through ball from Manny Monthe found Stones and defender Zak Mills in contention.

The on-loan striker remained calm as Zak Mills slipped and slotted the ball home to ensure the result of the game was never going to be in doubt.

It was Stones’s last match action of the night as he, Norwood and Lundstram were all substituted to make way for Kane Drummond, Mike Fondop and Josh Kay.

Man of the match, captain Tom Conlon, followed soon after to be replaced by Dan Gardner.

There was still time to grab a fourth goal five minutes from the end of normal time.

Drummond found Fondop who was fouled in the box and referee Dale Baines immediately pointed to the spot.

Fondop fired firmly into the centre of the goal to cement an impressive victory.

Latics are now in FA Cup second round action on Saturday when they travel to League One side Leyton Orient, looking for a victory over league opposition and a place in the coveted third round draw.

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