Fondop strikes again!

Latics talisman Mike Fondop was again the hero as his 17th minute headed goal saw Micky Mellon's side consolidate their National League play-off spot position with a 1-0 win at local rivals Rochdale.

Fondop’s goals at Fylde at the weekend combined with his 14th league goal at the Crown Oil arena saw Mellon’s men start February with back-to-back away wins.

They now sit in fourth position in the table.

Oldham, who had 2,607 visiting fans out of the crowd on 5,880, made one change for the game at Dale.

Mark Kitching replaced Manny Monthe who became the side’s latest long term injury victim following the Fylde game, the eighth casualty in a challenging season.

And Joe Pritchard who only signed on deadline day on Monday was named on the substitutes bench.

It was the home side that got off to the better start and Mitchell came close when put through by Ayinde in the second minute, but their top scorer fired just wide.

A minute later Rodney came close firing just wide.

Then an impressive run by Okede ended with the home winger firing over.

But Latics, spurred on by their 2,607 visiting fans, soon got into their rhythm and proceeded to dominate the first half in midfield in particular.

The industrious Billy Waters, still seeking his first Latics goal, fired wide on 15 minutes, and he then saw his shot blocked.

The only goal of the game came after 17 minutes and Tom Pett’s pinpoint delivery once again was also instrumental.

His right-wing corner was returned to him and his follow up cross found Fondop at the far post who gave keeper Waller no chance.

Latics started to dominate and press impressively with fire and determination with Jake Caprice marauding into space and causing havoc for the Dale defence and they were well worth their half time lead.

The second half was a tighter affair as Rochdale, themselves in a play-off position, sought an equaliser.

Matt Worthington replaced the busy Josh Lundstram and on 69 minutes Joe Pritchard came on for his first Oldham action.

And within a minute Pritchard, could have had two assists.

He found Fondop with almost his first touch but Waller came out and blocked his shot.

Then he put Waters into space but the striker fired over. Josh Kay replaced Waters – on another night Waters could easily have scored twice.

At the other end Matt Hudson was on hand to provide a great near post save from Allarakhia with two minutes of normal time remaining.

“I don’t think the game disappointed,” said Latics boss Mellon.

“It was a great atmosphere and we are delighted to get a victory for the supporters.

“Standalone this is a fixture that you want to try and get a result for the community of Oldham.

“Good players doing their jobs (was key) and good players coming off the bench.

"It always will be that. We can give instructions and give shape but the players have to go and perform and do their jobs.

“I do genuinely believe we deserved our victory.”

Latics are now away for the fourth successive match when they visit Solihull Moors on Saturday.

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