Oldham Athletic kicked off their League 1 hopes with a seven goal thriller against Stevenage – and Lee Johnson admits he was relieved to come out on top following some ‘heart-attack stuff’.
Oldham went behind after just five minutes through Darius Charles but James Tarkowski, Jose Baxter, who scored the rebound from his saved spot-kick, and Cristian Montano made it 3-1.
Goals from Greg Tansey and ex-Latic Filipe Morais brought things level but last season’s top scorer Baxter netted again, from the penalty spot, in the 87th minute to top off an eventful day for Johnson.
“That was real heart attack stuff wasn’t it? It was incredible really but overall I felt we deserved to take the victory,” Johnson told PA.
“I would much rather win 4-0 than 4-3 though.”
Oldham handed competitive debuts to four of their summer signings from the start including former Stevenage striker Charlie MacDonald and recent acquisition Adam Rooney.
Jonson Clarke-Harris and Sidney Schmeltz also came off the bench to make their competitive debut but despite the new faces Athletic netted four for the first time since February 2011 which pleased the boss.
“We have got a new side here but everyone can see we have got goals in us. I was disappointed with a couple of the goals we conceded,” added Johnson.
“Though at the end of the day, we have come away with the three points from a really tough place. We have had a good summer and all the lads have gelled really well.
“We have been exciting in our friendly fixtures and I think the fans have taken to that. There is togetherness there and a spirit.”
Before Oldham’s maiden home league game of the season against Walsall on Saturday they welcome Championship side Derby County to Boundary Park in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
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