Danny Wilson enjoyed the perfect start to his Sheffield United managerial career as two goals in six second-half minutes secured a 2-0 victory over Oldham at Boundary Park.
Goals from young defender Harry Maguire and striker Richard Cresswell were enough to clinch three points for the visitors.
The home side started brightly and soon began to take control of the match, Reuben Reid testing Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen from just outside the area after four minutes.
The former Everton man was again called into action in the 20th minute, denying striker Mathieu Smith's close-range header. Centre-half Jean Yves Mvoto was next to go close for Dickov's men, but he failed to hit the target after meeting Matthew Lund's corner with his head.
Smith's second opportunity of the game four minutes before the interval again forced a save from Simonsen, who ensured the first half ended goalless.
United made an excellent start to the second half and delighted their boistorous travelling support by going ahead three minutes after the restart. Stephen Quinn's outswinging corner found 18-year-old Maguire and his superb header gave Alex Cisak no chance.
Oldham's second-half collapse continued as the visitors took advantage of some shambolic defending to go two in front. Quinn was again the provider, finding himself in acres of space down the left-hand side before putting in a superb ball for Cresswell to finish from six yards.
The home side rallied but struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG