A tightly contested local derby at the Crown Oil Arena saw Oldham Athletic edge out Rochdale 1-0 thanks to Mike Fondop-Talum’s first-half strike. The 17th-minute goal proved the difference in a match of limited clear-cut chances, highlighting the often cagey nature of such encounters.
Fondop-Talum’s decisive finish stemmed from a well-constructed move, initiated by Tom Pett’s incisive pass. The Oldham forward expertly converted the opportunity, giving the visitors an early advantage they would resolutely defend for the remainder of the match. Rochdale, stung by the concession, responded with increased intensity but struggled to break down a well-organised Oldham defence. Their attacking endeavours, while showing promise, frequently lacked the necessary precision in the final third.
As the second half unfolded, both managers turned to their benches in an attempt to alter the flow of the game. On 69 minutes, Rochdale made a triple substitution, introducing Connor McBride, Jili Buyabu, and Joe Pritchard to bolster their attacking options and inject some much-needed energy. Oldham, content with their slender lead, adopted a more pragmatic approach, making changes to reinforce their midfield and defensive lines. Despite Rochdale’s increased attacking presence, they couldn’t find a way past a resolute Oldham defence.
The closing stages saw Rochdale commit more men forward in a desperate search for an equaliser, but Oldham’s disciplined and organised display effectively nullified the threat. Even the late arrival of Ian Henderson failed to ignite the desired comeback for Rochdale. A late yellow card for Oldham’s Josh Kay in the 82nd minute for a foul briefly raised tensions, but ultimately had little impact on the final outcome.
The victory sees Oldham Athletic strengthen their league position, moving up to fourth place with 51 points. Rochdale remain in seventh on 42 points, further illustrating the competitive nature of the National League. This result also extends Oldham’s recent positive run against their local rivals, having now recorded two wins and a draw in their last three meetings.