Pawel Abbott's 76th-minute penalty saw Oldham make it back-to-back wins with a 1-0 victory at Southend.

Latics win at Roots Hall with late penalty

Pawel Abbott's 76th-minute penalty saw Oldham make it back-to-back wins with a 1-0 victory at Southend. Referee Keith Hill awarded the spot-kick after United's George Friend brought down Keigan Parker and Abbott slotted it into the right corner, sending goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall the wrong way. Goalscoring chances had been at a premium although referee Hill had ruled out efforts by Parker for offside and Friend for a foul in the opening 45 minutes. A back-tracking Mildenhall turned over an Abbott chip and Latics keeper Dean Brill parried a close-range Roy O'Donovan shot in the opening period. After the break Mildenhall saved Danny Whittaker's scuffed effort, while Alan Sheehan was inches over the bar with a 20-yard strike and Shrimpers skipper Adam Barrett deflected Parker's shot over. Southend pushed forward looking for an equaliser and blew a great chance when Francis Laurent fired wide from close range.