Smith's priceless matchwinner
Substitute Matt Smith came off the bench to score Latics' matchwinning goal in their 1-0 derby win at Bury.
Smith struck what could be a priceless goal in the 79th minute as Latics collected three valuable points in their battle to stave off relegation from npower League One.
And while Latics celebrated, it was a defeat which sealed relegation for the bottom of the tale Shakers.
Smith struck what could be a priceless goal in the 79th minute as Latics collected three valuable points in their battle to stave off relegation from npower League One.
And while Latics celebrated, it was a defeat which sealed relegation for the bottom of the tale Shakers.
There was an early chance for Bury soon after the restart when Jonson Clarke-Harris forced a relatively straightforward diving save from keeper Dean Bouzanis.
Connor Brown made a great run for Latics to help set up Lee Barnard but the striker shot over.
Manager Lee Johnson made a double substitution midway through the half in a bid to break the stalemate.
Barnard and Robbie Simpson made way for Matt Smith and Kirk Millar.
Bury had a great chance to take the lead after a great move involving David Worrall and Nicky Ajose ended with Zac Thompson's drive flying narrowly wide.
The breakthrough finally came with 11 minutes left when substitutes Millar and Smith combined with deadly effect.
Millar fired over a hanging cross from the left and Smith dived in where it hurt to head home from inside the six-yard box, his ninth goal of the campaign.
Latics made their last change in the second of five minutes of stoppage time when Cristian Montano was replaced by Bobby Reid.
And Smith almost scored a second goal in added time as his far-post header from David Mellor's free kick was clawed out by keeper Cameron Belford.
Full-time: Bury 0, Latics 1.
Connor Brown made a great run for Latics to help set up Lee Barnard but the striker shot over.
Manager Lee Johnson made a double substitution midway through the half in a bid to break the stalemate.
Barnard and Robbie Simpson made way for Matt Smith and Kirk Millar.
Bury had a great chance to take the lead after a great move involving David Worrall and Nicky Ajose ended with Zac Thompson's drive flying narrowly wide.
The breakthrough finally came with 11 minutes left when substitutes Millar and Smith combined with deadly effect.
Millar fired over a hanging cross from the left and Smith dived in where it hurt to head home from inside the six-yard box, his ninth goal of the campaign.
Latics made their last change in the second of five minutes of stoppage time when Cristian Montano was replaced by Bobby Reid.
And Smith almost scored a second goal in added time as his far-post header from David Mellor's free kick was clawed out by keeper Cameron Belford.
Full-time: Bury 0, Latics 1.