Former Oldham loanee Mantom pounced to sweep home a defection for his third of the campaign from just inside the box in the 65th minute.
But Richard O'Donnell denied the Latics with some great saves.
In first half O'Donnell shut out striker Charlie MacDonald with his feet and after the break he beat away free kicks from James Dayton and Gary Harkins.
But O'Donnell saved his best for stoppage time when he saved a penalty from Adam Rooney after James Wesolowski was fouled by Paul Downing.
Saddlers manager Dean Smith was delighted with the win, but admitted:
"It was a very hard fought win and maybe undeserved. A draw would've been a fair result. I'm pleased with the win though because there have been many games this season when we haven't come away with the points and maybe should have done.
"It's pleasing to be in the play-offs after a hard fought win and it shows the fruits of our labour, but I thought Oldham played some terrific football."
Lee Johnson has seen his side win once in eight games, but the Oldham boss said:
"As a manager that's the sort of performance you want. Sometimes I could go in there and kill them, but they were superb tonight. You can't do much more to win a football match. We were fantastic, but if you don't score you can't win.
"I don't want to say we were unlucky, but we've had a few of them this year and could've come away with five or six more wins.
My piece from the morning paper
Richard O'Donnell in fine form
Andy Taylor hits the woodwork
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