Oldham extended their unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League to eight games with a 2-0 victory at struggling Braintree.

Josh Stones headed in Mark Kitching’s cross to give the Latics a 15th-minute lead, the on-loan Wigan striker’s fourth goal in three games.

Braintree, in the bottom four and without a win for over a month, almost levelled through Chay Cooper but Oldham goalkeeper Mathew Hudson saved well.

James Norwood rounded Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan five minutes after the restart to double Oldham’s lead and secure the three points.