Match ends, Colchester United 0, Oldham Athletic 1.
ColchesterColchester United0OldhamOldham Athletic1
Connor Brown's first goal of the season saw Oldham take a big stride towards safety and deepen Colchester's League One relegation concerns.
The right-back's cross looped off defender Tom Eastman to put the Latics ahead on the stroke of half-time.
The U's wasted first-half chances when Alex Gilbey headed over and Jabo Ibehre nodded into Paul Rachubka's arms.
Dominic Vose curled wide and Ibehre's drive deflected off target as the hosts' second-half luck was also out.
Colchester are now only two points clear of the bottom four with three games left to play, while Oldham move up to 16th, six points ahead of Carlisle in 21st.
Oldham manager Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Manchester:
"It's a big, big win make no mistake. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't sexy football, if you like, but it was vital.
"I thought it was a bit sloppy at times, if I'm being really ultra-critical and honest.
"I thought it was a little bit sloppy in possession and was a tough pitch and a tough occasion to come and play "
Line-ups
Colchester
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 44Walker
- 20WilsonBooked at 90mins
- 16WynterSubstituted forMorrisonat 88'minutes
- 15BeanBooked at 90mins
- 4Okuonghae
- 18Eastman
- 21Massey
- 22GilbeyBooked at 68minsSubstituted forWrightat 88'minutes
- 17Ibehre
- 11Sears
- 7Sanchez WattSubstituted forVoseat 72'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Cousins
- 3Dickson
- 6Eastmond
- 9Morrison
- 23Olufemi
- 25Vose
- 30Wright
Oldham
Formation 4-4-1-1
- 29Rachubka
- 2Brown
- 3GroundsBooked at 81mins
- 4Wesolowski
- 18Lockwood
- 16Wilson
- 28WorrallBooked at 73mins
- 8Smith
- 14Clarke-Harris
- 27PhilliskirkBooked at 43mins
- 30Harkins
Substitutes
- 6Gafaiti
- 10MacDonald
- 12Mellor
- 19Dayton
- 21Millar
- 24Byrom
- 33Coleman
- Referee:
- Carl Berry
- Attendance:
- 4,252
Match Stats
Home TeamColchesterAway TeamOldham
- Possession
- Home47%
- Away53%
- Shots
- Home24
- Away4
- Shots on Target
- Home7
- Away1
- Corners
- Home13
- Away1
- Fouls
- Home15
- Away9
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Colchester United 0, Oldham Athletic 1.
Post update
Attempt missed. Freddie Sears (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
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Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Connor Brown.
Booking
Marcus Bean (Colchester United) is shown the yellow card.
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Foul by Marcus Bean (Colchester United).
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David Worrall (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Booking
Brian Wilson (Colchester United) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Foul by Brian Wilson (Colchester United).
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Gary Harkins (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Tom Eastman (Colchester United).
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David Worrall (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution
Substitution, Colchester United. Drey Wright replaces Alex Gilbey.
Substitution
Substitution, Colchester United. Clinton Morrison replaces Alex Wynter.
Post update
Attempt missed. Marcus Bean (Colchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
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Dominic Vose (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by David Worrall (Oldham Athletic).
Post update
Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Connor Brown.
Post update
Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Jonathan Grounds.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Dominic Vose (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.