Micky Mellon was critical of Oldham players with a Carabao Cup Preliminary Round defeat to Accrington a wake up call.
Accrington produced a 3-1 victory, advancing to face Peterborough in the first round. All three goals came in the first half: Anjola Popoola scored in the 10th minute, Kelsey Mooney in the 17th, and Josh Woods in the 34th.
Oldham got one back through Reagan Ogle’s deflected strike after the hour mark but couldn’t overturn the deficit.
“I’m really disappointed, I really am,” said Micky Mellon, per Oldham Times.
“And I accept that I picked the team, I just never saw that coming. We just did not compete, we did not win enough of the League Two necessary stuff. You need to compete and you need to win the aerial battles and the knockdowns and we gave away some goals that we need to take responsibility for and do better.
“The goals are shocking and then it makes it very, very difficult for us.
“We just didn’t do enough of the things that need to be done, the contacts, the first headers – both ends of the pitch – up front, not enough at the back. Not enough.
“The people that need to win their battles didn’t. And then what makes you even more disappointed is in the second half they start to they a wee bit more, but it’s too late then.”
“We did make changes and we did leave out some characters that do maybe drive that sort of performance away. They don’t allow that to happen. But I want them all to come in and show me that they want to fight and scrap to play in a successful Oldham team. But it just wasn’t enough in the first half.
“Second half, I don’t know whether Accrington sat back because they were 3-0 up, I don’t know. I’m trying to be fair. But we certainly looked a wee bit livelier and we started to win headers and started to win knockdowns and that’s what you got to do.
“You can push these wee men around the boards and speak about tactics but first and foremost you’ve got to win the battle, win the right to play, win your individual battle, win your running battle, win your physical battles, win the loose ball, and run.
“In the first we were too milky. We had a bit of a go at half-time and showed a bit more intensity and a bit more battle and a bit more fight, but it was too late in the end because it was too much to do.”
About time he started going for Fondop publicly. 👏👏👏
Get him dropped. #oafc pic.twitter.com/ImNzsZOxYe
— Si (@L2_Owl_Oafc) August 5, 2025
Accrington boss John Doolan said, per Oldham Times: “I am very pleased. We made a lot of changes from Saturday but they know how to play, the structure, and to come in it and execute it, I am really proud.
“They got their opportunity and have shown what they can do.
“The first goal was massive and it was satisfying for all three forwards to get on the scoresheet, it’s great for them all.”
Watch what he had to say, in full, in the video below…
Here’s how fans reacted after Micky Mellon got critical of Oldham players with Carabao Cup defeat to Accrington a wake up call…
@Connor160103: Best thing about that is now surely Mellon is fully aware that majority of his “squad players” aren’t good enough to even be that. Go and win Saturday and no one will be arsed about the prelims of the league cup 👍 Get some signings in
@Wandering_Latic: 2 games in. 1 deflected goal. Don’t think we’ve created a single ‘good’ chance in 2 games. Effort was there in the 2nd half, just next to no quality at all in the final 3rd all game long. We’ve a lot of work to do. On to Saturday. #oafc
@Owdhammm: Don’t wanna see Hammond, Sutton, Harratt again! Don’t play Monthe without a leading CB he goes shite! Play Ogle RB! And sign about 6 players because our depth is toss! Leave Fondop in Accrington! Sign a keeper!! Think that everything cheers 💙🧡
@ChrisWSkol: It’s early doors, 6 changes last night. We’re trying to get players in. All it showed us was a lack of depth. Its going to be bumpy this year. See who we get in then worry about it if its still poor. We need more goal threat, attacking midfielder and striker for sure. #oafc
@JackMillar101: This is actually a really good interview from Mellon. He does normally seem to start like this and then as the season goes on turns more defensive but speak like that and I have no issues.
@ChrisJStott19: Spot on Mickey, some players need to tale a long hard look at themselves after that first half. Unfortunate that Leake has tweaked his hamstring, new players incoming hopefully, we go again Saturday and get this out of our system #oafc
@Laticsbiffo: Spot on again from Mickey
@dean_hutchings:
Keepers- not saying anything
Sutton- not sure why he resigned- loan out
Charsley- terminate contract
Kay- terminate contract
Hammond- loan out until January
Payne- terminate loan and get new loan
Waters- get rid of
Harratt- loan out until January
Loads needed
Unfortunately the squad building is nearly done and we need about 7 players #oafc
@bencourtney77: We’re only in 2 cups with prem & champ teams so should get as far as possible to increase chance of money spinning, supporter pleasing tie. 1,000 people spent money, gave up time, rushed from work & expect a similar level of commitment from players & coaching staff. #oafc
@JonathanFu66088: Please can we see our new signings playing in the positions they had the biggest impact at their previous clubs. Both Hannant & Stevens 15+ goals and assists last year in poor teams. Play them both in the number 10 role behind big Mike on Saturday #oafc
@LaticsPaul: I’ve said it all pre season. Mad recruitment strategy especially baring in mind half the squad suit a certain formation and half the squad have been signed to play another formation. Hope it all comes together but I’m not impressed so far #oafc
@mikehowey1985: Last night was horrendous. But a few signings could improve the 11. Squad depth could be an issue based on that tho. Definitely need cover at LB/LCB if leakes already injured and we were already short there. If we’re playing wingers the crosses need to improve. Also the movement up top is woeful. All you could hear last night was Mellon barking at fondop to run. Perhaps why he looks best with garner who’s helping with his decision making 🤷♂️. Win Saturday tho and people will calm down a bit #oafc
