Oldham boss Richie Wellens celebrates ‘huge result’ over Bradford

Oldham boss Richie Wellens celebrated a “huge result” after his side earned a battling 2-1 League One victory against play-off chasers Bradford.

The struggling Latics were without a win in nine league games, but goals from Cameron Dummigan and Aaron Holloway condemned Bradford to a fifth-straight defeat.

Right-back Dummigan made the breakthrough after 12 minutes, crashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

Holloway doubled the lead after 86 minutes with a deft close-range header from Ryan McLaughlin’s cross.

The visitors quickly replied through Jordan Gibson, who beat goalkeeper Johny Placide at his near post, but Latics held on under pressure.

Wellens said: “It was fine margins, but everyone stepped up and I’m really pleased.

“We talked about starting the game well and getting at Bradford early because we knew they were struggling a bit for confidence.

“It’s a huge result for us. We’ve got Blackburn next but, after that, we play two teams who are around us in MK Dons and Rochdale.

“We needed three points and I’m hoping it will be our springboard to pick up the points we need.

“When you are on a difficult run you sometimes need something special to spark things off again.

“Cameron Dummigan’s goal was definitely special. He produced an unbelievable strike and he’s a player I love to bits because he has got everything you need to move on to the next level.

“Cameron was outstanding, but so were five or six others and it’s a pleasing performance.

“The players pulled together and we showed a lot of character.”

Bradford manager Stuart McCall was disappointed with his side’s performance.

He said: “We didn’t lack desire or spirit, but we did lack quality.

“With two struggling sides, the first goal is crucial and I don’t think their lad (Dummigan) will have hit a shot like that in his career.

“The lads are hurting at the moment but, whatever is thrown at us, nobody can point the finger at a lack of effort.

“There was nothing in the game, but it’s another defeat and we need somebody to scream one into the top corner in the way Oldham did.

“We’ve got seven first-team squad members out injured and we set up in a formation to not give silly goals away.

“We aren’t creating as much at the moment, there’s no doubt about that, but the feeling is one of disappointment rather than despair.

“Oldham didn’t have a lot of chances through the game and we weren’t soft or easy to play against.

“The lads are gutted, but they are absolutely determined to turn things around.”