Ben Knight was at the heart of a stunning second half for Neil Harris’ side, scoring a 55th-minute penalty after Ryan Woods was adjudged to have fouled Louis Appere.

Cambridge added a second on the hour when they caught Oldham napping.

Knight swung a cross to the far post, James Brophy headed the ball back across goal and Appere prodded in from close range.

An attacking triple substitution tried to lift Oldham as Fabio Jalo, who had signed on loan from Barnsley on the eve of the game, came on along with fellow loanee Kane Taylor and Mike Fondop.

But while their intent was to bridge the gap in the game, it got bigger as Appere got his second.

Oldham were awarded a free-kick midway inside the Cambridge half, but they were left exposed when Woods’ delivery was cleared.

Knight led a quick counter before slipping the ball through for Appere, who slotted past Mat Hudson.