PRESTON SIMPLY OUTCLASSED OLDHAM

IT MAY not have mattered had it been Lee Johnson or Paul Scholes in the home dug-out, in a game completely dominated by the visitors.

Dean Holden’s managerial debut proved to be a baptism of fire, not helped by the Latics’ lengthy injury list and the play-offs seem a long way away at present.

For the visitors, how- ever, five straight wins sees them marching towards the automatic promotion spots and on current form it will take a lot to stop them.

Their bench was packed with Premier League experience, while it was hard to pick faults with any of the 11 players who started.

Simon Grayson will no doubt point to the fact there is a long way to go yet this season, but they will be considered favourites for at least second place by many onlookers.

For managerless Oldham, meanwhile, it could be a long end to the season unless Holden – or a new man – can turn around three straight defeats.