Bottom-of-the-table Port Vale's task now looks hopeless after they lost 3-0 at home to Oldham to suffer their 23rd defeat of a dismal season.The visitors took advantage of Vale's lack of confidence from the off and threatened on a couple of occasions before taking a 22nd-minute lead in controversial circumstances.

Jordan Robertson looked offside when David Livermore crossed from the left but the flag stayed down and the youngster volleyed home in style.

Kyle Perry had one effort saved at full stretch by Mark Crossley and then his 41st-minute strike was deflected against the crossbar. The luckless Perry, searching for his first league goal since he was signed from Vale's FA Cup conquerors Chasetown, was thwarted by the woodwork again six minutes into the second period.

Danny Whitaker played a defence-splitting pass and Perry's angled drive beat Crossley but bounced back off the far post. Oldham capitalised on Vale's misfortune 12 minutes from time when Neal Eardley hammered in a free-kick after George Pilkington was harshly penalised for a back pass.

The final scoreline was undoubtedly cruel on Vale after Oldham substitute Matt Wolfenden buried a third deep into stoppage time.

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