Oldham fell to a late defeat at Gretsy Road as a lapse in concentration allowed high-flying Crewe to strengthen their promotion credentials.

Oldham had a few early chances via corners and long throw-ins. In the 10th minute, Pergianni met Tom Hamer’s long throw but couldn’t direct his header towards goal.

Down the other end, Kirk went close in 13th minute. The master of assists found Kirk who chipped the ball over Zeus De La Paz. His shot landed on the roof of the net.

Seeven minutes later, Tom Hamer’s long-range effort provided Oldham’s best chance of the half. The speculative effort was well hit and went just wide of the left post.

A few chances fell for both sides towards the end of the half but neither side really troubled either goalkeeper. Though Crewe had narrowly been the better side, a 0-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game at half time.

Oldham had a dream start to the second half. Just two minutes after the restart some clever work by Rowe played Nepomuceno down the right channel who cut inside and played the ball to Johnny Smith. The winger finished well from close range.

Oldham didn’t hold the lead for long, though. In the 53rd minute a howler from De La Paz saw Crewe draw level. Jones was allowed too much space inside the Oldham Penalty area and he hit a fairly limp shot that the Curacaoan somehow parried into his goal.

Negative tactics from the visiting side then contributed to somewhat of an onslaught from Alex. The hosts pegged the Latics defence back for a good 25 minutes.

Porter had a chance to give Crewe the lead in the 75th minute, but he couldn’t direct his header towards goal.

The game got its conclusion in the seven minutes of added time. As Oldham ramped up their time-wasting and sat back, Kirk was given time on the ball to beat three men before hitting a shot past De La Paz at the near post. A deserved goal for Alex but a tough one to take for The Latics.

FULL TIME – Crewe Alexandra 2-1 Oldham Athletic.

Attendance – 5,271 (1,262 Away).

Crewe Alexandra XI – Jaaskelainen, Ng ©, Pickering, Wintle, Walker (Dale 66’), Jones, Kirk, Finney (Ainley 85’), Anene (Porter 57), Offord, Nottingham.

Subs – Richards, Porter, Ainley, Green, Hunt, Dale, Griffiths.

Oldham Athletic XI – De La Paz, Hamer, Wheater ©, Piergianni, Mills (Dieseruvwe 98’), Missilou, Sylla, Smith, Maouche (Branger-Engone 81’), Nepomuceno, Rowe.

Subs – Allen, Branger-Engone, Wilson, Fage, N’Guessan, McCann, Dieseruvwe.

Referee – Sam Purkiss.

words Chris Stringer, D3D4 Oldham Athletic correspondent