THE Papa John’s Trophy may not feature high on the priority list but after a troubled start to the season, the competition continues to provide Latics with some welcome respite.

Despite their league struggles and a chastening defeat at Salford only four days earlier, Oldham found midweek joy on Wearside, as they turned in a splendid team performance to eliminate Sunderland, knocking out the holders and causing a notable upset.

What’s more, given the spirited manner of the victory and the bright football played, they will hope this result represents something of a turning point in their second game under the interim stewardship of Selim Benachour.

Having spent the past 12 months as youth team manager before taking charge of senior matters, the winning goal came from a promising young talent Benachour knows all about.

Harry Vaughan, Latics’ 17-year-old starlet, underlined his growing reputation by sealing the tie on 53 minutes with a goal all of his own making.

Having shown great perseverance to chase down Cieran Dunne, Vaughan dispossessed the Sunderland defender and burst into the area before rolling a measured finish past the sprawling Lee Burge.

Latics were well worth the win. There was an energy and enterprise about the visitors’ performance which belied their league struggles and Benachour will now want to use this result as a springboard after watching his side book their place in the last 16.

Benachour made seven changes from the defeat at Salford, Vaughan and fellow academy graduate Benny Couto among the players returning to the fold.

There was a good intent from Latics from the off and after growing into game with their positive attacking play, they began to create chances.

Midway through the first half, Hallam Hope drew a fine save from Burge, who was forced to show his reflexes by turning the striker’s first-time effort around the near post.

Indeed, Latics displayed a confidence not seen in recent weeks. With license to push forward on the right and exploit the space of a wide pitch, Stobbs offered a regular outlet for Benachour’s side.

Five minutes before the break, the former Leeds youngster brought the best out of Burge again, taking a pass from Davis Keillor-Dunn in his stride as he veered into the box, only for his angled effort to be touched wide by the outstretched goalkeeper.

With Nicky Adams also showing his attacking instincts from full-back on the same side, Latics caused repeated problems down the right throughout the half. Adams delivered a teasing cross into a packed area but Burge managed to hold it with Hope lurking, while he also sent in a corner which was met by the head of Carl Piergianni but Frederik Alves scrambled the ball clear.

In an entertainingly open first half, Sunderland were not without their chances. Benji Kimpioka showed brilliant skill as he struggled past Jordan Clarke and shot into the side netting during the opening minutes.

Latics’ good play continued after the break, Adams again the source of danger with a run to the by-line and cross. The ball looked to have sat up nicely for the oncoming Benny Couto, who struck a good half-volley into the ground but it crept past the post.

Having taken the lead through Vaughan’s solo effort, there was no compromise to Latics’ attacking intentions.

Zak Dearnley came on to partner Hope in attack, while Couto continued to raid down the flank.

Benachour also displayed a tactical flexibility which saw a number of players change position in an attempt to ensure the visitors continued to carry a threat.

Latics had Leutwiler to thank for a fine stop on 72 minutes, Harris jinking his way into the box but the goalkeeper was alert.

Sunderland made changes of their own in an attempt to find a way back but the fact that they failed to create a clear chance for all their possession in the closing stages was testament to the discipline of Latics’ display.

A fine performance from the visitors and a result to offer the travelling fans some hope.

Oldham Athletic: Leutwiler, Clarke, Cisse (Hopcutt 80), Piergianni, Adams, Whelan (Bowden 80), Hope (Bahamboula 80), Keillor-Dunn, Stobbs (Dearnley 58), Couto, Vaughan (Diarra 64).

Subs not used: Southerington, McGahey.

Sunderland: Burge, Alves, Dajaki (Kachosa 46), Embleton (Wearne 46), O’Brien, Xhemaji, Younger, Dunn (Dyce 73), Harris, Wilding, Kimpioka.

Subs not used: Carney, Almond, Scott, Johnson.