Latics suffered heartbreak in the last minute of the match after they nearly secured a dramatic point in West Yorkshire.
Lee Angol gave the hosts the lead with a half-volley from outside the area during the first-half at the Utilita Energy Stadium. Dylan Bahamboula created insane limbs in the away end after the flamboyant attacker netted a well-deserved equaliser in added time.
However, the Bantams won a last minute penalty which Angol just about managed to slot past an injured Danny Rogers which secured their first win over Latics since August 2019.
Once again, Head Coach Keith Curle was absent for the fierce encounter after contracting Covid-19 with Colin West and Alan Sheehan occupying the touchline. They named four changes to the side with Jamie Hopcutt being handed his debut.
First of all, the Utilita Energy Stadium was absolutely rocking ahead of kick-off with both sets of supporters showing their appreciation to their team, a sight much missed in the football community.
The hosts had the first opportunity of the game after they won a free-kick on the left-hand side, Callum Cooke delivered onto the head of Angol, however, the former Leyton Orient man couldn’t steer his header on target to the frustration of the Bradford dugout.
Latics responded with a chance of their own when Nicky Adams’ corner was cleared into the path of Callum Whelan on the edge of the box, but the midfielder’s goal-bound strike was frustratingly blocked by a defender before being eventually cleared.
Derek Adams’ side should’ve taken the lead as a corner found an onrushing Gareth Evans and he fiercely headed from inside the six-yard box, however, the Latics ‘keeper gratefully watched it sail over the crossbar.
In the 32nd minute, the Bantams fans erupted as Angol netted his first goal for the club. The ball fell nicely to him, just outside the area, and he sweetly struck on the half-volley before it went through Rogers and hitting the back of the net. Notably, the goalkeeper picked up a knock which restricted his performance.
Oldham nearly responded instantly when Davis Keillor-Dunn latched onto a loose ball in a dangerous area with the attack-minded individual managing to spin and flick at goal, however, former Latics loanee Richard O’Donnell denied him at point-blank range.
Early into the second-half, Carl Piergianni rose highest from a corner before powerfully heading towards the far post, but a defender managed to clear the ball off the line as momentum began to build.
The Citizens manufactured a slick counter-attack on their opposition which saw substitute Charles Verman drive with intent towards the Latics goal before having the vision to slot Angol through on the right-hand side, however, the forward couldn’t add to his tally as he smashed way over the crossbar from inside the area.
Following that, the visitors had an attack which caused the Paraders endless problems before eventually it fell to Keillor-Dunn and he managed to turn his marker before he curled an effort just past the post.
In the 92nd minute, Latics found a much-deserved equaliser as Hallam Hope made a great run inside the box before he laid it to Bahamboula and the fans favourite impressively curled his effort into the far corner creating carnage in the away end.
However, disaster struck for Oldham when Keillor-Dunn failed to clear the danger which resulted in Andy Cook dribbling at Piergianni and the club captain clumsily tripped the target man in the box with the referee pointing to the spot. Angol stepped up and slotted his penalty in the right-hand bottom corner past the injured Rogers.
Bradford City XI – O’Donnell (GK), Ridehalgh, O’Connor, Canavan ©, Cooke, Cook, Gilliead, Evans (Vernam 51’), Watt, Angol, Cousin-Dawson.
Subs: Hornby (GK), Foulds, Kelleher, Staunton, Crankshaw, Lavery.
Goals: Angol 32’, 98’
Oldham Athletic XI – Rogers (GK), Clarke (Blyth 89’), Hart, Cisse, Piergianni ©, Adams (Dearnley 76’), Whelan, Keillor-Dunn, Stobbs, Bahamboula, Hopcutt (Hope 53’).
Subs: Danielewicz (GK), Fage, Jameson, Diarra.
Goals: Bahamboula 92’
Attendance: 17,264 (1,119 away)
Referee – Stephen Martin