New Oldham manager Joe Royle was denied a fairytale return as Tranmere triumphed 2-0.

Tranmere triumph over Oldham

New Oldham manager Joe Royle was denied a fairytale return to Boundary Park as Tranmere triumphed 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Royle is back in charge of the Latics after a 15-year break, but play-off rivals Tranmere hit second-half goals through Charlie Barnett and Ian Moore. Barnett smashed in a 10-yard volley in the 56th minute and then won a penalty when he was brought down by Stefan Stam. The defender was sent off for his second bookable offence and Moore tucked away the spot kick to effectively kill off Oldham. Royle, who replaced the sacked John Sheridan, almost saw his team go in front before the break when Lee Hughes rounded goalkeeper Danny Coyne, but hit the post from a tight angle. Coyne made a fine save from Danny Whitaker, but Tranmere were a lively attacking force who wasted openings through Moore, Ed Sonko and Bas Savage. Oldham created little once they were down to 10 men and have now lost three consecutive games.