Walsall 2-0 Oldham: Match Report

04 March 2017 06:36

Nine-man Oldham left to rue indiscipline after defeat to Walsall

Oldham's survival bid suffered a blow as they ended an ill-tempered game with nine men in a 2-0 defeat at Walsall in Sky Bet League One.

The score was harsh on the Latics, who matched their mid-table hosts despite the early dismissal of Lee Croft.

But they lost out to two late goals - an Erhun Oztumer penalty and an Amadou Bakayoko rocket - with Brian Wilson also sent off for the visitors, who remain three points above the drop zone, in between.

Oldham had made a bright start before Croft's 16th-minute dismissal for a reckless studs-up challenge on Jason McCarthy.

The 10 men still fashioned chances as Wilson's 20-yarder forced a diving save from Saddlers goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Walsall started to get on top towards the end of the half but Latics keeper Connor Ripley made a great block to stop Kieron Morris sweeping home Oztumer's low cross from 10 yards.

The 10 men continued to more than match their hosts in the second half but Tope Obadeyi's free-kick shaved the post in their closest chance.

And Walsall snatched the points 11 minutes from time as Peter Clarke tripped Simeon Jackson in the area and Oztumer beat Ripley from the spot.

Wilson - booked in the first half - then saw a second yellow for a scuffle with Bakayoko, who latched on to Oztumer's through ball before firing into the top corner in the second minute of time added-on to secure Walsall's win.


Source: PA