Thomas received his first yellow after fouling Dele Adebola and he was walking for the tunnel in the 48th. minute after a foul from behind on Eyres. A disappointing Stoke didn't really offer much threat but they were level in the 63rd. minute when a cruel deflection from Dean Holden beat Miskelly at his near post. Adebola was unlucky when he saw a header pushed against the bar by Cutler and it looked like the Potters were going to steal an undeserved point. Step forward Fitz Hall (pictured)! Two minutes from time Hall, making his home debut, planted a firm header home from an Eyres corner which had been headed back by Carss. 2-1 - Cue rapturous applause from the Oldham fans.
It was Athletics first win in seven attempts and with Cardiff also winning it means that it is now mathematically impossible to get promoted this season. An upbeat Wadsworth said, “We can't go up this season but our performance gives us even more optimism for the future. There were some great signs because beating a top team shows how good we can be when we have a really good go at it next year.”