Dave Penney was justified in his decision to revamp his side as Latics won at bottom-club Stockport County to move further clear of the danger zone in Coca-Cola League One.

It was very much a new-look team as the Latics manager decided the time was right for change after his side was held at home by second-bottom Wycombe on Saturday.

Dean Brill, Joe Jacobson, Danny Whitaker and Keigan Parker lost their places while key midfield man Dale Stephens was ruled out through injury.

Darryl Flahavan returned in goal, Paul Black at left back, Dean Furman and Alex Marrow were restored to the midfield and on-loan Lewis Guy was handed his debut up front.

The changes were vindicated as Latics recorded their fifth away league win to climb to 17th place and a significant seven points clear of the relegation places.

And two of the incoming players were to play pivotal roles in the victory as Guy, who was only signed on Monday, won the penalty from which Pawel Abbott scored the match-winning goal while Flahavan pulled off two superb saves early in the match.

It was by no means a vintage Latics' display but the most important thing was to claim victory which extends their unbeaten run to four matches - two wins and two draws - which has eased their troubles.

Penney admitted it was highly unlikely any games on the the problem pitch at Edgeley Park will be great spectacles, but  described it as a "big win."

And the Latics manager explained that Stockport being reduced to 10 men for three quarters of the match was no advantage.

"It wasn't a pitch when we could get the ball down, pass and keep the ball wide and make Stockport chase us because it was a lively surface," he explained.

Penney was delighted with Flahavan who pulled off superb early saves to deny Jabo Ibehre and Johnny Mullins as Stockport made a whirlwind start in which Sean Gregan also made a goalline headed clearance to deny Mullins.

The Latics manager said their undoing early on was conceding needless free kicks and corners against a big and physical Stockport side which was dangerous at set-pieces.

Latics rode their luck early on and the turning point in the match came midway through the opening half when Guy burst through on goal to be brought down by Danny Swailes in the box.

Referee Jon Moss deemed Guy was denied a goalscoring opportunity and Swailes was sent off as Pawel Abbott scored from the spot, his 11th goal of the season.

It looked as though the balance of power would tilt the way of Latics as Chris Taylor was denied a second Latics goal by a super save from Owain Fon Williams.

Stockport's 10 men remained a threat and shortly before half time David Poole burst through on the left but pulled his shot wide when it looked as though he would equalise.

While the opening half was full of incident and excitement, the second period lacked a spark as Latics failed to take advantage of their extra man while spirited Stockport refused to throw in the towel.

Late on Taylor burst through on the left but pulled his shot wide while in stoppage time Deane Smalley found himself completely free in front of goal, but he was denied by a smart save from Fon Wiliiams who was being watchd by Wales under-21 manager Brian Flynn.

Stockport (4-4-2): Fon Williams; Mullins, Huntington, Swailes, Sadler; Poole, Perkins, Turnbull (Tansey 70), Partridge (Rowe 85); Ibehre, Donnelly (Halls 25). Subs (not used): Gerrard, S Barnes, L Barnes, Fisher.

Latics (4-4-2): Flahavan; Lee, Hazell, Gregan, Black; Smalley, Furman, Marrow (Worthington 76), Taylor; Abbott (Eaves 81), Guy (Whitaker 70), Subs (not used): Brill, Aljofree, Jacobson, Millar.

Referee: Mr J Moss.

Attendance: 4,283.