Pawel Abbott relieved Athletic's relegation worries with another match winning performance. The club's leading scorer hit the winner at Tranmere and followed up with another at home to Walsall. With Chris Taylor (pictured) back in the starting line up as the only change from the Swindon game, it was his cross that was decisive for the match winning header. The Latics were good measure for the win although the game did pull one or two surprises but for once the luck rode with the home side. Dean Furman, Jason Price, Deane Smalley and Abbott all had second half chances that were fluffed and when Dave Penney brought on substitute Danny Whitaker for Furman it was met with a round of boos from the home fans. The boss was justified though and it's time the fickle Oldham fans started to support their team instead of hindering. Dean Brill almost became the villan late in the game when his kick out was forced down by Troy Deeney but the keeper redeemed himself with a two footed sliding tackle on Darren Byfield.
The manager commented after the game, "They were really big wins against Tranmere and Walsall and we had to make sure we got three points. It was a hard slog, but I thought we were the better side and thoroughly deserved to win. We hit the target more than we have done in recent weeks, though all the chances went straight to their keeper, but at least he had to save them. The performance was all important and the performance was an extra and a bonus."