Late McCourt free-kick sees Macclesfield snatch victory at Oldham

Posted Sunday, October 20, 2019 by PA

Jak McCourt’s superb late goal handed Macclesfield a dramatic 1-0 victory at struggling Oldham.

The Silkmen were already on course to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches when McCourt earned them all three points from a low-quality contest.

Macclesfield made a dominant start and could have scored after 21 minutes when Fiacre Kelleher headed off target from Connor Kirby’s set-piece.

Oldham changed their system to gain a foothold in the contest, but their first effort on goal did not come until first-half stoppage time when full-back Tom Hamer drove wide from 20 yards.

The hosts then went close through Mohamed Maouche, whose shot flew beyond the far post, while Jonny Smith fired straight at visiting goalkeeper Owen Evans.

Macclesfield’s Theo Archibald wasted a rare opening after 72 minutes when his first-time shot ballooned over the crossbar from 16 yards.

The breakthrough came after 86 minutes as Oldham’s Mohamad Sylla was penalised for a foul just outside his own penalty area, giving McCourt the chance to crash home a brilliant free-kick.

Oldham almost levelled, but David Wheater’s header was cleared off the line.