Christmas comes early for Latics

Photo: All pictures: Alan Howarth

AND THAT MAKES TWO: Jonathan Forte wheels away in celebration alongside Danny Philliskirk.

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Rochdale 0, Oldham Athletic 3

THIS might not have been Athletic at their best, but the game against rivals Rochdale sent over 3,000 travelling supporters home deliriously happy.

Much had been made of the significance of this fairly rare derby clash before the weekend. Latics manager Lee Johnson said it was his most anticipated game since he took over as Athletic manager and, spurred on by the army of 3,250 fans crammed into one side of the Rochdale pitch, his players delivered the goods.

The emphatic victory wasn’t stylish, but Athletic were worthy winners. This was Athletic’s first league victory at Spotland in 40 years, but from the moment star loanee Daniel Johnson tucked home his first of two goals in the 25th minute, there was only going to be one winner.

Well-organised, determined and full of energy and enthusiasm throughout, the visiting team ran the show, only rarely allowing Keith Hill’s Rochdale sniffs at opportunities to make their own bid for glory on derby day.

Athletic’s defence was solid and confident in possession, the midfield was full of grit and determination, and in Johnson, Danny Philliskirk and Jonathan Forte up front, the side continues to be a handful for any opposition.

Saturday’s latest win lifted Athletic into sixth place — the play-off positions. The trick is to stay there with 27 league games to go., But as manager Johnson said afterwards, he still feels his team is capable of going up another gear. They will need to if the play-off dream is to be realised - but this Athletic bunch have built themselves the most solid of platforms in recent weeks.

The atmosphere was already getting raucous inside the stadium when the teamsheets dished out at 2.15pm revealed that Lee Johnson had made five changes to his starting line-up.

Veteran ’keeper Paddy Kenny was straight in to start, while Daniel Johnson was back after being ineligible at Preston. Brian Wilson returned and Liam Kelly was back to protect the back four with Timothee Dieng. Athletic fans were also pleased to see Forte in the XI.

Kelly fired wide early on, while at the other end Matty Lund headed narrowly wide after Reuben Noble-Lazarus’s dangerous cross flicked up off Genseric Kusunga’s boot.

Athletic had been pretty much in control and went ahead after 25 minutes: Philliskirk teed-up Johnson, who tucked the opener home after an initial save from Conrad Logan

Dieng almost made it two, minutes later, when he nodded just wide. The visitors were good value for their half-time lead.

There was a sluggish start to the second half and it was Kelly who had the first chance only to blaze a shot over the top.

Dale responded with Noble-Lazarus forcing the alert Kenny into what was a rare save, before two goals in seven clinical minutes put the game to bed for Oldham.

Athletic’s lead was doubled from the penalty spot. Philliskirk was tugged back as he tore into the hosts’ box. Forte took the penalty and made no meal of it.

Johnson added the coup-de-gras with 10 minutes to go. Philliskirk surged into the Rochdale box before sliding the ball to Johnson, who finished the job easily and calmly.