Oldham Athletic

Latics found themselves in a spot of bother as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Preston North End in their npower League One Lancashire derby.

It looked as though Latics would picked up a valuable point in their battle to avoid relegation until they conceded a 72nd minute penalty which Nicky Wroe converted.

And then deep in stoppage time Will Hayhurst sealed victory with a breakaway goal which was harsh on Latics who deserved some reward for their efforts as they more than matched the Lilywhites.

Sign them up was the cry at half time as members of the Moscow State Circus gave a display of incredible ball juggling.

They were performing across the road from Deepdale in Moor Park with the Big Top only a goal kick away from the ground.

After a goalless opening period, Latics had a great chance to take the lead soon after the restart.

Jose Baxter's free kick was headed on by Robbie Simpson and Jonathan Grounds (pictured) just failed to connect at the far post from a couple of yards out.

Preston almost snatched the lead in the 51st minute when Jack King's looping header from Will Hayhurst's left-wing cross struck the crossbar and rebounded into the grateful arms of keeper Dean Bouzanis.

A good chance fell to Robbie Simpson who fired narrowly wide across the face of goal from the right side of the box.

Latics were dealt a major blow midway through the half when Baxter picked up his 10th booking of the season which will earn a two-match ban.

There was another setback when Latics fell behind in the 73rd minute through a Wroe penalty.

Substitute Jeffrey Monakana, who had only been on the field, fired over a cross from the right which struck the arm of Grounds as referee Scott Mathieson pointed to the spot.

It was the first penalty Preston had won at Deepdale for over 12 months, but Wroe kept his cool to send Bouzanis the wrong way from the spot.

Latics immediately brought on Kirk Millar for Lee Barnard and then moments later Matt Smith came on for Bobby Reid.

They were forced to throw caution to the wind in pursuit of an equaliser and Preston almost doubled their lead with 10 minutes left.

David Buchanan delivered a fine cross from the left and substitute Graham Cummins' header was superbly kept out by Bouzanis diving full length to his left.

Then in the third and final minute of stoppage time came Preston's second goal.

Keeper Bouzanis came up for a corner in a do-or-die bid for an equaliser.

Hayhurst broke from inside his own half and, pursed by Lee Croft, he shot into the empty net from 40 yards. 

Full-time: Preston North End 2, Latics 0.