Deane Smalley scored his first league goal as Oldham denied Cheltenham a vital point in their relegation battle.

Oldham went ahead in the 16th minute when 19-year-old Smalley smashed in an explosive effort from 12 yards.

But Cheltenham responded and Ashley Vincent's shot was hooked off the line before Stephen Gillespie levelled with a penalty after a foul on Shane Duff.

Oldham were denied what looked a clear penalty for handball but Lewis Alessandra struck their winner late on.

Oldham: Crossley, Hazell, Gregan, Stam (McDonald 61), Lomax, Liddell, Allott, Eardley, Smalley (Jarrett 89), Wolfenden (Black 46), Alessandra.
Subs Not Used: O'Donnell, Kalala.

Booked: McDonald.

Goals: Smalley 16, Alessandra 87.

Cheltenham: Higgs, Gallinagh (Lindegaard 11), Keogh, Duff, Jeremy Gill, Vincent (D Agostino 72), Bird, Russell, Armstrong, Connor, Gillespie (Connolly 81).
Subs Not Used: Scott P Brown, Scott Brown.

Booked: Connor.

Goals: Gillespie 50 pen.

Att: 6,400

Ref: David Foster (Tyne & Wear).