Maamria Gets Off To Winning Start

Oldham manager Dino Maamria got off to a flying start as Latics manager with a 3-1 win over Morecambe at Boundary Park. 

It was a result that put the previous week's negativity behind them. Former coach Laurent Banide was dismissed after just 11 games in charge and replaced by Tunisian coach Dino Maamria. 

Oldham started the game brightly and they created the first real chance of the game as Morais raced down the right-wing before crossing onto the head of Christopher Missilou, but he couldn’t keep his header down.

Morecambe arguably should’ve scored the first goal as John O’Sullivan was gifted a free header inside the penalty area from a corner, but he couldn’t place his attempt on target.

In the 33rd minute, Latics took the lead. A long ball found Mills on the right-hand side for the right-back to deliver a delightful ball into the box and it was met by Maouche with his header finding the back of the net. Oldham with a deserved lead at half-time.

Shortly after the restart, Oldham scored again. Mills was again the creator when Oldham doubled their lead after 51 minutes as his excellent cross found Segbe Azankpo, who controlled neatly before finishing in style.

Maouche nearly got his second of the game in the 66th minute as he dribbled past a Morecambe defender before unleashing his strike, but Roche just about kept it out.

Oldham had twice been 2-0 up in their last two games only to be pegged back and it seemed as history was about to repeat itself as Morecambe pulled a goal back. A quick break on the 78th minute saw AJ Leitch-Smith do well to set up fellow substitute Shaun Miller for a simple tap-in.

With Oldham nerves jangling Jonny Smith sealed all three points for Oldham in the 89th minute as he was played through on goal by Branger-Engone and the winger smashed it past Roche into the bottom corner.

Speaking to the club after the game Latics boss Maamria said: "My first thought is what a performance from the players, the fans and I thought it was a fantastic day for Oldham.

“We won a game, it's a long journey yet but it's a great start and I think that the most important thing is that you see the reaction of the fans.

"We need those fans back here and I thought that those fans that turned up saw a very good team going forward, on the front foot and pressing from the front, it was an outstanding performance."

Photo By: Eddie Garvey