Pawel Abbott grabbed the winner as Oldham took a crucial step away from the drop zone with a 1-0 win over Walsall.

Abbott header defeats Saddlers

Pawel Abbott grabbed the winner as Oldham took a crucial step away from the League One relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Walsall. The Latics dominated the visitors throughout but had to wait until the 78th minute for their breakthrough as Abbott headed his ninth of the season. Walsall created only one chance of note, with Dwayne Mattis heading just off target in the third minute. The home side then seized control as Chris Taylor and Jason Price went close before Abbott brought a fine save from Clayton Ince. The defiant keeper passed further tests from Price and Dean Furman and Walsall had an escape as Deane Smalley's header flashed across goal. But the Latics deservedly broke through when Taylor sent over a pinpoint left-wing cross and Abbott nodded beyond the helpless Ince from eight yards.