It’s great Fon for Micky’s Latics
JOE GARNER’S strike and a Mike Fondop brace left Maidenhead United reeling from their third consecutive National League defeat, while Oldham Athletic bolstered their push for promotion.
Garner, the former Wigan Athletic and Ipswich striker, headed in a long ball to put Oldham in front on the quarter hour before Fondop’s second-half double deemed Sam Beckwith’s stoppage-time effort for Maidenhead as mere consolation.
“We played very well I think,” Latics boss Micky Mellon said. “Over the course of the 90, I think we absolutely deserved the result.
“We played some good football and were controlled with and without the ball. It was a really good performance and had some superb backing from the supporters.
“We’ve got some really good players. We’ve got to know the group well.”
In front of a lively York Road crowd, the Latics wasted no time asserting their dominance. Liam Hogan’s strike from distance seemed to secure an early lead in the seventh minute, only to be nullified by a close offside call.
But the vociferous travelling fans didn’t have to wait long for some cheer – Garner finding the back of the net with finesse from an excellent pass by Nathan Sheron.
Fondop squandered two promising opportunities shortly after, while Ashley Nathaniel-George’s attempt for the Magpies on 39 minutes sailed high and wide – their only noteworthy effort in the first half.
Alan Devonshire’s men escalated their offensive efforts in the second half, mounting pressure on Mellon’s side through a plethora of free-kicks and corners.
But on weathering the storm, it was Oldham who struck next – Tom Conlan’s corner finding Fondop, who buried the ball past Magpies keeper Craig Ross.
Fondop then showcased some defensive prowess by deflecting a potent cross from the Magpies wrapping it up with a third, cleverly assisted by Oliver Hammond.
But there was still time for a Maidenhead consolation – defender Beckwith prodding the ball home following a corner – but it was too little, too late for Maidenhead, who endured a rather forgettable afternoon.
“We didn’t perform to our levels, we didn’t do the basics,” said frustrated Magpies assistant manager Ryan Peters.
“Everyone knows an Alan Devonshire team works hard, is physical, and gives all they have – but they didn’t do that today.
“We had a long travel back from the Tuesday game but that’s no excuse. We can’t pinpoint why we couldn’t come up with a result.
“We had chances against Boreham Wood and FC Halifax Town where we needed more. We thought, ‘don’t worry it’s coming’ but today it didn’t.”