Latics ease worries with win

Oldham cruised past a dismal Leyton Orient as a 2-0 win secured three vital points in their fight against the drop.

Orient have now gone seven games without a win as they had no answer to goals from Deane Smalley and Dale Stephens.

Oldham were already well on top when Smalley struck in the 20th minute, playing a one-two with Pawel Abbott and forcing home from close range.

Visiting goalkeeper Jamie Jones then kept his side in the game, thwarting Daniel Nardiello and making a superb fingertip save to deny Abbott.

Oldham also squandered a string of half chances before they doubled their lead four minutes after the break.

Chris Taylor's through ball picked out midfielder Stephens, who drilled inside the far post from 12 yards to open his account for the Latics.

Orient's only real sight of goal had been wasted by Jonathan Tehoue and their poor defending meant they were always vulnerable.

Jones beat out a far-post header from Smalley, who was again denied a second goal when the keeper smothered his low shot.