Managerless Walsall never really looked like being the victors in a game that Oldham looked the better side.
Walsall dropped into the relegation zone in midweek despite improvements in the two games since Mersons departure but today it all went to pot.
Oldham collected only their first away win in five games and they lifted morale with two goals in the space of two minutes from Luke Beckett and Paul Warne to the delight of their 543 fans.
But Walsall's slump is of more concern as their much-changed side is struggling to find some form and appear firm candidates for the drop as they have now failed to win any of their last eight league games.
The current uncertainty prevails throughout the club and this will not be resolved until they appoint a new manager.
Chris Nicholl and Stuart Watkiss, two candidates for the vacancy, were in the crowd as was Birmingham's Steve Bruce on a scouting mission.
But on the strength of a disappointing goalless first half it was difficult to spot a player who attracted his attention.
Walsall's lightweight side struggled badly to make an impact against a rugged Oldham outfit that has been struggling badly away from home in recent weeks.
The Latics were the more dangerous with Paul Warne and Chris Taylor both going close to opening their account.
Fortunately for Walsall their central defenders, Ian Roper, Anthony Gerrard and man of the match Pablo Mills were in top form as they did much to keep the Saddlers on level terms.
They were aided by an Oldham attack which also lacked finishing power in the first period to the frustration of manager Ronnie Moore.
Walsall's only chance of taking the lead occurred just before the break when Andrew Barrowman, a recent signing from Birmingham City, just missed a low cross from Kevin James only yards away from a vacant Oldham goal.
James produced a second-half free-kick which Oldham's keeper, Lee Grant, saved well to keep the Latics in the game, while Richard Butcher was guilty of a bad miss when he failed to connect with a Paul Warne cross.
Walsall sent on latest loan signing Scott Fitzgerald, but he was very disapointing as the Saddlers were sent spinning to defeat in two disastrous minutes.
In the 72nd minute Oldham steamed ahead when a long ball from Butcher was knocked on by Warne into the path of Beckett who scored with a low, close-range shot for his ninth goal of the season.
Two minutes later Gerrard's intended clearance from a questionable free kick, hit Warne and cannoned into the net to seal the game.
Shockingly Ishmel Demontagnac replaced Grant Smith who was Walsall's most dangerous attacker on 75 minutes.
As the game came to a close the Walsall fans vented anger at Club Chairman Jeff Bonser.
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