Latics were left frustrated as Aaron Wildig’s first-half goal proved to be enough to see Morecambe progress to the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The game started in a high-tempo manner, but initially failed to create any clear-cut chances. The most notable moment inside the first 15 minutes saw left-back Stephen Hendrie produce a fantastic last-ditch tackle to deny Dylan Fage from racing through on goal.
However, with 22 minutes on the clock, the game came to life as John O’Sullivan intercepted a long pass on the right-wing and proceeded to drive inside. The winger had the vision to play a perfectly weighted ball to Wildig, which meant he was one on one, and he kept his cool and chipped his effort over Ian Lawlor.
Oldham debutant Andrea Badan showed a bit of attacking intent when he dribbled past two defenders inside the 18-yard box before unleashing low strike at goal, but it went just past the far post.
Derek Adams’ side nearly doubled their advantage just before the interval as right-back Ryan Cooney found space around 30-yards from goal and the Burnley loanee tried his luck seeing his powerful strike cannon back off the crossbar.
Liam McAlinden nearly managed to get himself on the scoresheet early in the second-half when he received the ball on the edge of the area with his back to goal. The striker somehow found space to turn and strike goalwards, but his attempt went agonisingly wide of the target.
Shortly after, Tom Hamer produced a positive spark as he dribbled up the pitch, beating numerous defenders, before slotting Fage down the right-wing. He managed delivered a low cross into a dangerous area which was met by the onrushing Cooney who came close to putting it into his own net, but just about cleared it for a corner.
The Shrimps should’ve extended their lead in the 67th minute as McAlinden flicked on a long ball into the path of substitute Adam Phillips who was in acres of space, but the midfielder snatched at his chance as blasted past Lawlor’s near post when he probably should’ve scored.
In added time, Harry Kewell’s side came close to finding an equaliser when Carl Pierganni leapt highest from a corner and powerfully headed at goal but the central defender saw his effort go centimetres over.
Morecambe XI – Halstead, Hendrie, Lavelle ©, Davis, Slew, Wildig (Diagouraga 66’), Mendes Gomes (Phillips 66’), Kenyon (Pringle 66’), O’Sullivan, McAlinden, Cooney.
Subs – Turner, Mellor, Knight-Percival, Price.
Goal: Wildig 22’
Oldham Athletic XI – Lawlor, Hamer, Jombati, Piergianni ©, Borthwick-Jackson, Garrity (Rowe 83’), Whelan, Fage (Grant 66’), Badan (Keillor-Dunn 66’), McAleny, Dearnley.
Subs – Woods, Barnett, Hough, Da Silva, Rowe.
Referee – Ben Toner