A first half goal from Liam Boyce was enough to send Burton Albion into the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The game started evenly with both sides having nothing more than half chances in the opening exchanges.
Colin Daniel and David Templeton started causing Latics all kind of problems down Athletic’s right-hand side and it was down that side where the opener came from for the visitors.
Colin Daniel found his way to the byline before sending across a teasing cross that found Liam Boyce who had the simplest of finishes to give Burton a deserved lead in the 23rd minute.
Latics were forced into an early change in the 29th minute with Mohammed Maouche replacing Christopher Missilou.
The Brewers’ continued to cause Latics problems down their left-hand side and in the 41st minute Templeton got down the wing putting in a dangerous cross that was well blocked by the Oldham defence.
Oldham started to get into the game towards the end of the first half and had a string of corners in close succession with Jonny Smith having the best chance for the hosts but his shot was well saved by Kieran O’Hara.
The Brewers’ had the better of the opening exchanges in the second half, Joe Sbarra managed to get a shot off that was brilliantly blocked by Jamie Stott.
Just moments later, there was a nervy moment for Latics forward Desire Segbe Azankpo when his scuffed clearance from a Burton corner nearly found its way into the Oldham net.
Latics started to grow into the game and in the 58th minute Azankpo had a speculative effort that didn’t cause any threat to the Burton goal before six minutes later the forward flicked the ball onto Maouche who’s smart footwork allowed him a chance to get a shot away but the keeper was equal to the Frenchman’s effort.
Burton missed a glorious opportunity to double their advantage on the break when Burton again broke down their left-hand side but substitute Scott Fraser shot wide.
Latics were incensed when referee Andy Davies failed to show Brewers’ keeper a straight red card when he blatantly handled the ball outside of the area. The whistle-blower showed the Burton number one a yellow.
Despite a barrage of late pressure from the hosts, Latics were unable to find a goal to earn a replay.
Full time score: Oldham Athletic 0-1 Burton Albion.
Line ups -
Oldham Athletic: De La Paz, Mills, Iacovitti (86, Wilson), Stott, Morais, Missilou (29, Maouche), Azkanpo (77, Akpa Akpro), McCann, Smith, Wheater ©, Hamer.
Subs: Woods, Maouche, Wilson, Fage, Jones, Sylla, Akpa Akpro.
Burton Albion: O’Hara, Daniel, Edwards, Buxton, Wallace, Quinn, Akins ©, Templeton (74, Fraser), Sbarra (82, Hutchinson), O’Toole, Boyce.
Subs: Garratt, Brayford, Fraser, Hutchinson, Nartey, Anderson, Beardsley.
Attendance: 2,858 (359 Away)