An unbelievable free-kick from Danny Rowe earned Latics a huge three points in truly breathtaking fashion at Exeter City.
Rowe struck midway through the first-half as Harry Kewell’s side came from behind to cap a fantastic team performance at St James Park.
The win was all the more impressive as it ended Exeter’s 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions and their sequence of six straight wins at home.
Having seen George Blackwood cancel out Randell Williams’ early strike with a fine goal of his own, Rowe secured the points with a moment of true brilliance.
40 yards from goal, Rowe placed the ball with intent before arrowing a free-kick past the reach of Jokull Andresson and into the top left-hand corner.
It was a moment worthy of winning and game, and Latics dug deep to withstand heavy pressure at times to ensure they returned home from Devon victorious.
This was a fine all-round display, great discipline and courage when needed whilst remaining a danger with their quick football.
There was little indication of what was about to unfold when Williams put Exeter in front on 11 minutes, turning home the rebound after an initial effort from Matt Jay drew a great save from Ian Lawlor.
But having regained their composure, Latics went on to produce some fine football of their own and their attacking intent was rewarded shortly after.
After chances for Rowe and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Blackwood levelled as he guided a curling finish beyond the dive of Anresson after a slick Latics break led by Dylan Bahamboula.
The French attacker almost scored the visitors’ second himself with a cross-shot which skimmed the bar before Rowe found the target with a memorable effort.
Although Latics had to withstand some nervy moment, they created a number of chances of their own and could easily have extended the winning margin.
Latics had Lawlor to thank for a series of telling interventions as the second half progressed, showing his reflexes to deny Ryan Bowman and Williams twice.
There were also key contributions from Carl Piergianni and Ben Garrity, who both produced goal-line blocks from Jay and Nicky Law respectively.
Yet Latics posed a constant threat on the counter whilst remaining resolute at the back. Goalkeeper Andresson made a double sale from Blackwood and Rowe before the former curled a shot wide.
Rowe also brought the best from Andresson with two free-kicks in quick succession but it was his stunning set-piece in the first-half that ultimately proved the difference.
Exeter City: Andersson, Caprice (Hartridge 46), Sparkes, McArdle, Taylor (Law 57), Collins, Williams, Bowman, Randall (Ajose 67), Jay, Sweeney.
Subs not used: Lee, Atangana, Fisher, Dyer.
Oldham Athletic: Lawlor, Borthwick-Jackson, Piergianni, Garrity (Whelan 83), Blackwood (Barnett 69), Rowe, Keillor-Dunn, Fage, Ntambwe, Diarra (Jombati 75), Bahamboula (Grant 69).
Subs not used: Bilboe, Da Silva, Hamer.
Referee: Stephen Martin