Oldham lose out 2-1 at home to Crewe

League Two: Oldham Athletic 1-2 Crewe Alexandra

After a narrow 1-0 loss away at Forest green on the opening day of the season, Oldham had the chance to claim their first points of the season against fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra at Boundary Park. It was also a chance for Laurent Banide to get his first win as Latics manager following his appointment in the summer.

 It looked to be a positive day for the Oldham Faithful as their team flew out of the traps and raced into an early lead. After just three minutes Tom Hamer delivered a brilliant ball from the right-hand side which was met by the looping header of Christopher Missilou to put Oldham 1-0 up. Crewe grew into the game after their shock start and they nearly found an equaliser in the twelfth minute but Daniel Powell got his feet mixed up and he scuffed a great chance.

Oldham succumbed to the Crewe pressure in the 21^stminute as former Latics man Chris Porter headed over Gary Woods cross to make the game level at 1-1. Oldham were unfortunate not to be straight back into the lead after Zak Mills saw his effort saved superbly by Crewe shot-stopper Will Jääskeläinen - the son of former Premier League keeper Jussi Jääskeläinen. Moments later, the Alex countered and Daniel Powell found himself in on goal. He was denied by a brilliant save from Woods and Powell followed up, but Hamer was there to block it off the line.

 In the 41st minute Chris Porter struck again against his former club to score what would be the winner. He slotted home a penalty after Powell was clumsily fouled by Oldham goal scorer Missilou. That took Oldham into half-time 2-1 down. 

 The second half was similar to the end of the first half with Crewe being the better team and they must’ve questioned how they didn’t add a third goal. Harry Pickering raced down the left-wing and put a cross into the Oldham box. The delivery nearly ended up in the back of the net, but it hit the crossbar and then the danger was cleared. In the 83^rd minute it should’ve been wrapped up as Owen Dale had an open goal from close range but he smashed his effort well over the bar. Crewe should’ve been made to pay for their missed chances as Desire Segbe Azankpo found himself through on goal in the 91^stminute but he could only slot his effort just past the post. 

 For Oldham, it was a poor performance against a team that many would feel they should be beating. Next up for Laurent Banide’s men is a trip to Blackburn in the Carabao Cup before a tricky fixture away at Bradford City this Saturday (10th August). 

Pictures By: Ian Charles