Oldham defeat Fleetwood in group stage match...
Two goals in six first half minutes saw Fleetwood Town suffer their first defeat of this season’s Checkatrade Trophy, going down 2-0 to Oldham Athletic.
Billy McKay and Lee Erwin scored just after the half an hour mark to leave Uwe Rosler’s side having to now wait until the final match to see if they will qualify from the group stage.
Fleetwood started brightly in front of a more substantial crowd – 793 - than had watched the first group game against Blackburn U23s. Kieran Wallace cut in from the left in the fourth minute, providing a chance for Martyn Woolford whose attempt was too high.
Oldham came back into the game following a defensive error by Wallace, who was making his full debut after joining on loan from Sheffield United. Their best chance in the spell came from a corner taken by Carl Winchester, with McKay striking his shot wide of Chris Neal's left-hand post after being left unmarked.
Fleetwood responded with Victor Nirennold setting up a chance for Alex Jakubiak in the 14th minute. The cross from the right was bundled away for a corner by the visitors' defence.
Opportunities for both sides were few and far between with Wallace's miscued shot from a sweeping Bobby Grant pass in the 26th minute typifying the quality of finishing.
Oldham took the lead when Ryan Flynn beat Michael Duckworth for pace, running from deep to set up a chance which McKay finished with aplomb.
Before long the lead was doubled. Lee Erwin was not closed down on the edge of the box, allowing him to strike a sweet left foot shot past Neal from the edge of the area. Sky Bet League One's bottom side were sensing a rare win, after just one victory in the league all season.
Oldham keeper Connor Ripley saved from Jakubiak as half time approached but after Fleetwood's bright start it was Oldham in control.
Uwe Rosler replaced Grant with Ash Hunter after half time, hoping that the diminutive striker's unpredictable ability to make things happen could bring his side back into the game. It was Oldham who continued to threaten, however, with Erwin looking to double his tally.
Fleetwood had a let-off after 55 minutes when Winchester's corner was turned headed onto the post by Cameron Burgess. The home crowd's frustration began to show as an unmarked Winchester then headed Flynn's cross narrowly wide two minutes later.
There was little to suggest that the home team could get back into the game. Rosler's final substitution, just after the hour, saw George Glendon replace Eggert Jonsson in midfield. A more attacking option, but Oldham continued to press. Flynn again brought a terrific save from Neal after 65 minutes.
Woolford's drive from the edge of the area went narrowly over the bar as Town continued to find a way back into the game. A second attempt from the midfielder was tipped wide for a corner by Ripley. They were rare moments, however, and Oldham comfortably took the spoils.
FTFC:Chris Neal, Michael Duckworth, Kieran Wallace, Cian Bolger, Ashley Eastham (C), Eggert Jonsson (George Glendon 62), Victor Nirennold, Martyn Woolford, David Ball (Devante Cole 31), Bobby Grant (Ashley Hunter 45), Alex Jakubiak