Dino Maamria begins Oldham reign with much-needed victory over Morecambe

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by PA

Dino Maamria began his reign as Oldham head coach with a much-needed 3-1 Sky Bet League Two win at home to Morecambe.

Former Stevenage boss Maamria, who took over at Boundary Park on Thursday after the sacking of Laurent Banide, saw his struggling team clinch their first home victory of the season thanks to goals from Mohammed Maouche, Desire Segbe Azankpo and Jonny Smith.

It was a battle between the newest and longest-serving managers in the EFL as Morecambe’s Jim Bentley is into his ninth year at the helm.

But the hosts deservedly struck after 33 minutes, with Zak Mills delivering from the right and Maouche nodding in from close range.

Mills was again the creator when Oldham doubled their lead after 51 minutes as his excellent cross found Segbe Azankpo, who controlled neatly before finishing in style.

Morecambe replied 12 minutes from time when AJ Leitch-Smith did well to set up fellow substitute Shaun Miller for a simple tap-in.

Home nerves were jangling as Oldham had sacrificed two-goal leads in their last two outings, but Smith settled it with a minute remaining by slamming in Johan Branger’s pass.

Morecambe have now lost seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.