Jake Leake nets maiden Oldham goal in narrow victory over Harrogate

Jake Leake scored his first goal for Oldham as they stretched their unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-0 League Two victory over struggling Harrogate.

After recovering from back-to-back defeats with a 3-0 win at Tranmere in midweek to boost hopes of survival, Harrogate frustrated in-form Oldham in a goalless first half.

They were even close to taking the lead, only for the post to deny Tom Hill after he had dispossessed defender Manny Monthe 25 yards out.

And the impressive Reece Smith brought a save from Latics goalkeeper Mat Hudson with a low shot from the edge of the box.

But fresh from signing a new two-year deal at Boundary Park, Oldham manager Micky Mellon made early second-half changes, with fit-again Leake among them.

And the defender – making his first appearance since December 20 – marked his comeback from injury with the winner on the hour.

Ryan Woods’ free-kick was flicked on by Mike Fondop and Monthe in the box before Leake stooped to head past Henry Gray from close range.