Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson claims he ‘couldn’t have asked for more’ from his squad in their first victory since the season’s opening day.
Two goals from Adam Rooney and another from James Dayton ensured Oldham’s first win over Port Vale at home since 2005 – despite an equaliser by Jennison Myrie-Williams and ex-Latic Lee Hughes having a penalty saved.
Having suffered three consecutive defeats to Derby County, Walsall and Peterborough United, Johnson was thrilled to get back to winning ways in style – his team creating 20 chances on goal.
“The game had a bit of everything. It was high tempo, a lot of balls in the box and some good football was played at times. There were shots, chances and a penalty saved,” Johnson told the club’s website.
“I don’t think you could ask for more – perhaps we should charge extra.
“I was proud of my lads in what was a must-win game. It was a good day and there were a lot of good performances.
“I think we deserved our win and to a man we performed well.”
Loanee Joseph Mills was handed his home debut with David Mellor failing to recover from injury in time but fit-again Jonson Clarke-Harris returned to the starting line-up forcing Jose Baxter onto the bench.
Rooney reacted to Clarke-Harris’ blocked shot to allow Oldham to re-take the lead and Johnson reserved special praise for both goal scorers who opened their accounts after moving to Boundary Park in the summer.
“It was nice for Rooney. It was a great header for the first goal and he was in the right area for the second one,” added Johnson.
“He gave a good interview earlier in the week saying he had confidence in himself always to score goals.
“I have been waiting for Dayton to hit that one because he does it every day in training and also saw it every day at Kilmarnock. He has that quality when he cuts in.”
However, Athletic are likely to send right back Connor Brown for a scan after he limped off in the 68th minute because of a knock to his knee.
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