Oldham Athletic get their first win of the season

Cambridge United 0 - 1 Oldham Athletic 

It was a memorable afternoon in Cambridge for two members of the Mellon family.

Author | Alex W

Stadium | Abbey Stadium

After a difficult start to the season, where they had only picked up four points from the opening six matches, Oldham Athletic finally got their first win of the season.

A closer look at what happened

Michael Mellon struck the decisive goal on his Oldham debut to secure victory for his father and manager, Micky, against Cambridge.

On loan from Burnley, the forward slotted home in the 21st minute after Luke Hannant found Jamie Robson, whose cutback gave Mellon the simplest of finishes.

Cambridge came close to equalising just before half-time when goalkeeper Mat Hudson failed to claim Sullay Kaikai’s corner, but he recovered quickly to block Kell Watts’ powerful follow-up.

After the interval, Louis Appéré led a swift counterattack and was played back in by Kaikai, only for Hannant to clear his effort off the line.

Micky Mellon was booked for protesting to officials before Oldham almost extended their lead, Jake Eastwood tipping over Tom Conlon’s free-kick.

Eastwood was again sharp late on, thwarting Kane Drummond after a breakaway to keep Oldham's lead at just one. 

The full-time whistle was then and a delighted Oldham manager celebrated with the 740 travelling fans and his players. A good away day for a team that can start looking up the division. 

Best reaction

Oldham fan Dan Hague told us: “It’s always important to get that first victory. That run without a win seemed to be going on a bit. However, the performances have been very good; we've been playing very well, and just probably haven't been able to get that first goal or get the rub of the green. “