Oldham Athletic secured their first win in 2018 with a 2-1 win over promotion-chasing Bradford City.
Latics got off to a superb start as a 30-yard thunderbolt from Cameron Dummigan put Richie Wellens’ men ahead in the first half.
Deep into the game, substitute Aaron Holloway headed Latics into a two-goal advantage but minutes later, Jordon Gibson reduced the arrears.
That made for a nervy ending but Latics held on to claim their first win this calendar year and earn a vital three points.
Wellens handed a debut to French full back Wilfried Moimbe who joined the club on deadline day from FC Nantes.
The defender slotted in nicely but it was a nervy start to the game for Oldham Athletic.
Adam Chicksen found space at the back post in the opening five minutes of the game but he volleyed over as Bradford went close early on.
Latics came back into the game and took the lead on 12 minutes from a wonder goal from full back Dummigan.
The defender took on his man and as the space opened for him, he unleashed an unstoppable effort from 30 yards. The ball thundered into the top corner, flying in off the crossbar to give Latics the early lead.
The Bantams almost hit back minutes later but Charlie Wyke’s effort in front of goal was blocked by captain Anthony Gerrard.
Midway through the half, Latics almost made it two as a corner from Ben Pringle found Dan Gardner but his header hit the top of the crossbar and went over.
Duckens Nazon glanced a header wide just before the half hour mark before there was a change in match officials as referee Anthony Backhouse was replaced by linesman Michael D’Aguilar.
Latics had the perfect opportunity to extend their lead five minutes before the break but the feet of Bradford City goalkeeper Colin Doyle denied Nazon.
Gardner slid Nazon through on goal with a pinpoint through ball but Doyle managed to save to deny Latics going two goals ahead.
Gardner, who was an impressive figure in midfield in the opening 45 minutes, had two efforts before the break.
On 41 minutes he fired wide following a good move whilst in injury time, he turned his man but Doyle was equal to his strike from 25 yards.
Bradford started the second half brightly and Latics had to be wary of their threats in attack.
Gerrard blocked a cross into the box which was destined for Wyke whilst Moimbe had to be alert to head away a free kick into the box.
Bookings followed for Jack Byrne and Matt Lund as the game threatened to boil over but Latics remained disciplined and frustrated their opposition.
Pringle fired over the crossbar on the hour mark whilst minutes later, Bantams midfielder Callum Guy struck an effort wide of Johny Placide’s goal.
On 70 minutes, McLaughlin had to check his run following a through ball from substitute Holloway. He did cut inside and find Davies but his eventual effort was blocked.
A flurry of changes followed as the game seemed to be petering out, however the game did come to life in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Athletic extended their lead on 86 minutes after Ryan McLaughlin’s cross found the head of Holloway, who peeled off at the back post, and he headed Latics into a two-goal lead.
However, two minutes later, Bradford pulled a goal back through Gibson.
After Placide made a great save to deny Dominic Poleon, he was beaten at his front post as Gibson reduced the arrears and made it a nervy ending.
Six minutes of additional time was announced and Latics did their best to kill the game off as they took the ball into the corner at every opportunity.
Poleon had the final chance of the game deep into additional time but he fired over and Latics claimed their first win in 2018.
Oldham Athletic: Placide, Dummigan, Gerrard, Bryan, Moimbe, Fane, Gardner (McLaughlin 67’), Byrne (Obadeyi 73’), Pringle, Nazon (Holloway 62’), Davies.
Subs not used: De La Paz, Wilson, Benyu, Nepomuceno.
Bradford City: Doyle, McGowan, Chickson, Kilgallon, Vincelot (Poleon 73’), Wyke, McCarton (Gibson 80’), Warnock, Guy, McMahon, Lund (Dieng 62’).
Subs not used: Raeder, Brunker, Knight-Percival, Grodowski.
Goals: Oldham Athletic (Dummigan 12’, Holloway 86’) 2-1 Bradford City (Gibson 88’)
Attendance: 5,526 (1,967 visiting supporters)