Latics ease to Rochdale victory

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 24 March 2015


Check out Matthew's updated report with more pictures at: http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/article/90943/latics-bag-derby-victory

ATHLETIC 3, ROCHDALE 0

RHYS Turner was on the spot to net twice as Athletic earned their derby stripes by completing a league double over Rochdale.

The former Stockport striker was on hand to convert from close range in the first half before adding another when virtually walking the ball in, after Jonathan Forte had netted in between.

It was the third victory for Athletic manager Dean Holden, coming against a Rochdale side who were forced into three changes through injuries before half-time and who later finished with 10 men when Ashley Eastham could not continue after 75 minutes.

The opening to the game was helter skelter, with visiting goalkeeper Jamie Jones forced into his first stop after less than 30 seconds had elapsed after Carl Winchester raided and crossed from the right.

Athletic went close to taking the lead with 16 minutes gone. Mike Jones lined up a shot from 30 yards and it beat Jones but landed on top of the crossbar, before Peter Vincenti forced Joel Coleman into a low stop to his right with a 20-yarder.

Holden's side took the lead after half an hour. Forte took a quick throw and Mat Sadler lobbed the ball over a defender before stretching to put in a cross-shot. It lacked pace but Jones could only parry it, weakly, and Turner was there to smash the loose ball into the roof of the net from close range.

As the injuries mounted for the visitors, Luke Woodland whistled a shot narrowly wide and
Coleman had to be alert to punch clear a Michael Rose free-kick.

Rochdale started the second half strongly but found themselves two-down when a Jones cross was met by Forte on 58 minutes. His first effort was blocked by a defender but he smashed the rebound home with his right foot.

Three minutes later, Athletic made it 3-0. Jones's low cross was controlled by Turner and the ball seemed stuck to his feet as he shuffled past a static defence to eventually – after what seemed an age – slot home with the outside of his right boot.

Bastein Hery missed a glorious chance for Keith Hill's side soon after that, proving it was never going to be their night in a game played out in front of 5,322 fans.