Oldham Athletic AFC 2 - 1 Gillingham: Second-half turnaround earns Oldham much-needed win against Gillingham

Posted Sunday, February 21, 2016 by PA

Oldham boosted their Sky Bet League One survival hopes with a surprise 2-1 victory over high-flying Gillingham.

Second-half goals from Tim Dieng and Jonathan Forte saw the Latics pull off a superb second-half comeback and earn their first home league win since the opening month of the season.

Oldham twice went close to an early goal as Gills goalkeeper Stuart Nelson denied Daniel Lafferty, who then set up Curtis Main for a near-post shot off target.

Instead Gillingham went in front after 16 minutes when captain Doug Loft seized on a half-clearance and smashed his shot into the top corner from 35 yards.

Oldham saw more chances go to waste, with Nelson saving from Main before Forte fired over from the edge of the box.

But the home side were level 12 minutes after the break when Matt Palmer chipped the ball forward and Dieng glanced a backward header over Nelson from 10 yards.

Oldham grabbed the lead in the 73rd minute when James Wilson whipped in a superb cross from the right and Forte converted with a six-yard volley.

Gillingham's only chance to equalise fell to Rory Donnelly, who headed off target.