up Ryan Colclough but, after beating his man with ease, his cross was gathered by Connor Ripley. At the other end, Cameron Burgess headed over from a corner.

After a strong run, George Baldock delivered a superb ball on 17 minutes but it was just too far in front of Nicky Maynard before Agard saw a shot blocked.

David Martin was called into action for the first time midway through the first half, tipping over Freddie Ladapo’s fierce 20-yard effort after some clever build-up play.

Shortly afterwards Colclough, who was growing into the game, found Agard with an excellent pass but his shot was blocked from a tight angle.

His strike partner, Maynard, drew a fine save from Ripley 25 yards out as the Dons enjoyed their best spell of the gameso far.

That was capped with the opening goal on 36 minutes when Reeves’ long-range drive crept under the arms of Ripley – a decent strike but the keeper will be disappointed not to have stopped the shot.

The hosts responded well and the Dons defence, who unfortunately lost Baldock three minutes later to a hamstring injury, had to be alert to deal with a number of balls into the box.

Robinson’s men had looked dangerous going forward throughout and they had two further chances before the break – Colclough fired over before Agard dragged an effort wide.

Oldham were quick out of the blocks in the second half and they almost levelled on 47 minutes but Peter Clarke’s overhead kick hit the bar.

Martin then saved from Clarke as the hosts kept