Belgium Under-19 international winger M`Poku, on loan from Tottenham, had only been on the pitch for seven minutes when he controlled a pass from midfielder Dean Cox and unleashed a 25-yard thunderbolt as the home side recorded their best run since 1962.
The Os had totally dominated the first half but were unable to break down a resilient Latics defence who improved after the break, although they were indebted to a number of fine saves from goalkeeper Ben Amos as he twice denied Jonathan Tehoue and also kept out efforts from Cox and Matthew Spring.
Oldham rarely tested the home defence, for whom on-loan defender Adam Barrett from Crystal Palace was outstanding on his debut.
The visitors, who have not won in nine games and have taken just three points in that time, appeared destined to be heading for a hard-fought draw until M'Poku broke through with devastating results.
Source: PA
Source: PA