Oldham Athletic were unable to end their poor run of form after they tasted defeat against Charlton Athletic, who pick up their first win in nine league games.
Oldham boss Richie Wellens made four changes to his starting line-up, with Brian Wilson, Paul Green, Gevaro Nepomuceno and Aaron Holloway coming in for Jack Byrne and Kean Bryan, who have left the club following their loans expiring, along with Ryan Flynn and Tope Obadeyi.
Aaron Holloway partnered Craig Davis in attack as Latics lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, however, it was the hosts who had the first opportunity of the game.
Winger Ricky Holmes cut inside and fired from 30 yards but his fierce effort smashed the crossbar.
Latics had a chance at the other end a few minutes later, with Rob Hunt’s attempt going wide of the post.
Charlton had attacking intent as the half progressed and they managed to make the breakthrough on 27 minutes through new signing Stephy Mavididi.
The on-loan Arsenal forward raced past two Latics defenders before firing into the bottom corner from inside the penalty area to make it 1-0 to Charlton.
Latics had good chances to equalise minutes later as Hunt curled an effort inches wide of the top corner, whilst Holloway could not test Ben Amos from 25 yards as he made a comfortable save.
Five minutes before the break, good work from Holloway allowed Paul Green to strike from distance but again, Amos made the save.
Oldham were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half, and Holloway forced Charlton goalkeeper Ben Amos into a save on 50 minutes.
Gerrard then got on the end of Nepomuceno’s dangerous corner just before the hour mark, but he couldn’t get the header on target.
Latics still had to be alert at the other end, with Johny Placide on hand to keep out a curling effort from Holmes as he tried to get on the scoresheet.
Athletic’s best chance to draw level came on 83 minutes as Dummigan’s cross found Holloway in the penalty box. He controlled but smashed the ball against the feet of Amos who managed to save.
Charlton did have the final chance of the game as substitute Johnnie Jackson headed goalwards but it was blocked on the line by Dummigan.
Latics threw plenty of bodies forward in the closing stages but it wasn’t to be, with Charlton holding on to earn a 1-0 victory.
Charlton Athletic (Mavididi 27′) 1-0 Oldham Athletic
Attendance: 9,972 (399 visiting supporters)
Line Ups
Charlton Athletic – Amos (GK), Kashi, Bauer, Marshall, Magennis, Holmes (90+1’), Konsa, Mavididi (81’), Aribo, Dasilva, Lennon.
Subs – Phillips (GK), Reeves, Sarr, Dijksteel, Hackett-Fairclild, Ahearne-Grant (81′), Jackson (90+1)
Oldham Athletic – Placide (GK), Dummigan, Gerrard, Wilson, Hunt (80′), Gardner (53′), Fane, Green, Nepomuceno, Holloway, Davies
Subs – Banks, Kyermeh, Edmundson, Duffus, Omrani, Maouche (80′), Obadeyi (53′).
