Latics 4-2 Halifax Town

Mike Fondop scored twice as Latics booked their place in the Emirates FA Cup first round with a convincing win against Halifax.

Fondop recorded a double to take his goal tally for the season to seven, his strikes coming during a dominant first-half performance in which Micky Mellon’s side scored four times.

Fondop was not the only player to make a notable contribution, Kane Drummond registering an impressive individual performance as he played a part in creating three goals.

Josh Lundstram also continued his good recent form with a third goal of the campaign, Latics booking their place in Monday’s draw with an authoritative showing.

Drummond was among the three changes to the Oldham line-up from the previous match against Solihull, Will Sutton also making a positive contribution on his first start of the season, coming in as the right-sided center back in a three-man defense.

A positive start from Latics was rewarded after ten minutes. Lundstram’s recent good form has seen him feature on the scoresheet and he was firstly involved in the construction of the opening goal.

Lundstram received a neat pass from Drummond before a burst towards the by-line. He cut the ball back into the path of Mike Fondop, was positioned well to convert his sixth goal of the season.

There was good intent to Latics’ football from the outset with Drummond making telling contributions. He got on the end of a clever header from Fondop, but Jack Evans was able to intervene with a sliding challenge.

Sutton also made a charging run down the right, but his cross was held by Sam Johnson before Fondop opened the scoring.

Scott High had two chances for the visitors, but Latics soon reinforced their superiority.

Drummond was involved again as he displayed clever footwork to draw Johnson and take the ball around the goalkeeper before Fondop and Lundstram both had efforts blocked.

Lundstram continued his scoring streak and once again Drummond played a part. This time the striker received the ball from Fondop before rounding Johnson again, allowing Lundstram to tap in.

And soon it was three, Fondop pressing well to force a mistake from Johnson, dispossessing the goalkeeper before rolling the ball into the empty net.

Billy Waters reduced Latics’ lead, converting a pass from Andrew Oluwabori but the three-goal cushion was soon restored, Sutton’s cross diverted into his own goal by High.

If the first half was frenetic, the second unfolded at a slower pace, Drummond coming close to a goal of his own as his effort was stopped by Johnson.

After three substitutions at the start of the second period, Halifax then rallied. Jamie Cooke had a low shot stopped by Matt Hudson, who then turned away a fierce low effort from Oluwarbori.

Josh Kay replaced Lundstram at the break, marking his return from injury, and he was just unable to finish off a chance engineered by a buccaneering run from Sutton.

Kay then saw a shot deflected wide, this time with a chance that was created by an excellent piece of work from Drummond. 

Joe Cummins headed in a free kick from Florent Hoti for the visitors but Latics will deservedly take their place in the next round.

Oldham Athletic: Hudson, Ogle (Caprice 89), Kitching, Monthe, Lundstram (Kay 46), Fondop (Norwood 81), Conlon, Gardner, Sutton, Drummond (Uchegbulam 78).

Subs not used: Moloney, Garner, Stretton.

Halifax Town: Johnson, Cummins, Galvin, Senior, Evans, Wright (George 61), Cooke, Smith (Hoti 56), Oluwabori, Waters, High (Bray 52).

Subs not used: Ford, Sutcliffe, Pugh, Alimi-Adetoro.

Referee: Richard Aspinall.

Attendance: 3,246 (709 away).