Comfortable Win For Latics Over Rochdale.

Nathan Clarke marked his Oldham debut with a goal against local rivals Rochdale as Latics cruised to a 2-0 win at Boundary Park.

Reuben Reid had given Paul Dickov`s side a deserved lead after half an hour and the on loan Huddersfield defender wrapped up the points for the home side just before the half time whistle.

The visitors didn`t make it easy for themselves, former Oldham defender Neal Trotman, who conceded the spot kick for Reid to open the scoring was given a yellow card for his efforts, only trouble was he collected another later in the half and was sent off in the 41st minute.

Trotman picked up his first card for tripping Chris Taylor deep inside the box and Reid slotted his penalty to the right of goalkeeper Jake Kean.

After Trotman collected his second booking for a late challenge on Kieran Lee.

That gave Oldham a big advantage and they capitalised on that in first half stoppage time when Clarke dived in to head in Filipe Morais` corner.

Oldham had several chances to increase their lead after the break, but could not find another breakthrough.

Latics : Cisak; Lee, Clarke, Diamond, Black; Morais (Millar 78), Wesolowski, Winchester, Parker (Smith 54); Taylor; Reid (Diallo 90).

Subs (not used): Gerrard, Lund.

Rochdale: Kean, Darby, Holness, Trotman, Widdowson; Thompson (Balkestein 43), Jones, Tutte, Adams (Kennedy 84); Grimes (Twaddle 63), Akpa Akpro.

Subs (not used): Lucas, Marshall.

Referee: Mr Eddie Ilderton.

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