John Sheridan, the Oldham Athletic manager, could not hide his delight after watching his side thrash nine-man Nottingham Forest at Boundary Park. Forest were reduced to ten men after only 20 minutes and were three goals down by half-time to set up yet another defeat in Coca-Cola League One — they have taken four points from the past 15 available. There are no such troubles for Oldham, who recorded their fourth successive win.

Sammy Clingan, the Forest midfield player, was shown a straight red card for clattering into Will Haining, the Oldham captain, and the home side went in front nine minutes later through Paul Warne.

Chris Porter, after 39 minutes, and a penalty by Andy Liddell four minutes later saw Oldham cruising at the break.

Liddell then scored his second from the penalty spot in the 66th minute as Danny Cullip was also sent off. Craig Rocastle, on as a substitute, grabbed Oldham’s fifth goal in injury time.

Sheridan said: “We showed what a good side we are. We were still on top when it was 11 against 11. I was always comfortable from the start, our workrate and movement were a different class. It was a great result. Everyone will look at that result and say Oldham are on their way forward. We are scoring a lot of goals as well as looking strong defensively. We are also winning games and things are looking good.”

Colin Calderwood, the Forest manager, was left shell-shocked after his worst managerial defeat. “We were 3-0 down before we even got any opportunities,” he said. “But credit to Oldham as they looked clever and once they had got the first goal it was always going to be a struggle.”

Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): L Pogliacomi — N Eardley, W Haining, S Gregan (sub: S Stam, 70min), S Charlton (sub: P Edwards, 72) — A Liddell, R Wellens, G McDonald, C Taylor — P Warne, C Porter (sub: C Rocastle, 77). Substitutes not used: A Legzdins, C Hall. FORM LDWWWW NEXT Scunthorpe United (a)

Nottingham Forest (3-5-2): P Smith — J Thompson (sub: J Lester, 56), D Cullip, I Breckin — N Southall, S Clingan, J Perch, Gary Holt (sub: W Morgan, 68), J Curtis — Grant Holt, J Agogo (sub: N Tyson, 56). Substitutes not used: R Pedersen, S Dobie. Booked: Gary Holt, Southall. Sent off: Clingan, Cullip. FORM WLLWDL NEXT Yeovil Town (h) Warne 30, Porter 39, Liddell 43 (pen), 68 (pen), Rocastle 90