A first-half penalty strike from Pawel Abbott proved enough to secure victory for Oldham against 10-man Stockport.
The three points ease Oldham's relegation worries still further. This was their fourth match without defeat.
An action-packed first half saw the hosts dominate early on with skipper Johnny Mullins being denied by a point-blank save from Oldham goalkeeper Daryl Flahavan.
The game turned in the 24th minute, however, as Stockport centre-back Danny Swailes received a straight red card after hauling down Oldham debutant Lewis Guy in the box.
Abbott rammed home the resultant spot-kick - his 11th goal of the season.
Chris Taylor and Reuben Hazell both came close to doubling Oldham's lead, before Stockport responded with David Poole firing an angled shot inches wide.
The second half saw both sides cancel one another out.
Jabo Ibehre saw a shot saved by Flahavan, while at the other end Dean Smalley missed a gilt-edged chance from close range in stoppage time.
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