Mike Fondop’s towering header in the 17th minute powered Oldham Athletic to a crucial 1-0 victory over local rivals Rochdale at Crown Oil Arena, cementing their position in the National League play-off places.

The talismanic striker’s 14th league goal of the season, coming just days after his match-winning performance at Fylde, secured back-to-back away wins for Micky Mellon’s side and lifted them to fourth in the table.

The traveling army of 2,607 Oldham fans among the 5,880 crowd watched their team weather an early storm before taking control. Rochdale’s top scorer Mitchell spurned a golden opportunity in the second minute, firing wide after being put through by Ayinde, while Rodney and Okede also came close for the home side.

But Oldham, forced into one change with Mark Kitching replacing the injured Manny Monthe, gradually seized the initiative. Billy Waters saw a shot blocked before Tom Pett’s precise cross found Fondop unmarked at the far post to head home the winner.

The second half saw deadline day signing Joe Pritchard make his debut and almost immediately create two chances, setting up Fondop who was denied by Waller before putting Waters through. Keeper Matt Hudson preserved the clean sheet with a fine late save from Allarakhia.

“I don’t think the game disappointed,” Mellon said. “It was a great atmosphere and we are delighted to get a victory for the supporters. Standalone this is a fixture that you want to try and get a result for the community of Oldham.”

Oldham now face a fourth consecutive away match at Solihull Moors on Saturday.

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