Match Report: More Magpie misery as Notts County fall to Oldham defeat

Not the best way to start a new year, but then again 99% of this season has been a complete flop for Notts County so really, why expect things to change?

The Magpies, buoyed by their performance against Bury last time out, took to the Oldham pitch with the same starting XI and things were initially promising in the League Two New Year's Day clash at Boundary Park.

Following some good pressing from the visitors, Cedric Evina weighed in with the first opportunity of the game when he fired a first-time effort over the bar.

Pierce Bird, the young defender who was superb against the Shakers, then came so close to the opener when his header was cleared off the line by Gevaro Nepomuceno.

At the other end, Callum Lang tested Ross Fitzsimons with an effort from a tight angle and the Latics began growing into the game as Jordan Lyden crossed from the left for Mohamed Maouche to blast wide.

Just five minutes before the break, Tom Hamer's miscued cross from the right was too heavy and sailed over everyone - but in true Notts 18/19 style, dipped into the far corner of Fitzsimons' net for the hosts' opener.

Things then turned worse minutes after the restart when Johan Branger-Engone delivered a freekick for Captain Peter Clarke to bundle home, and then finished on the sourest note as substitute Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain was sent off for a second yellow card.

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