OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, NORTHAMPTON TOWN 0
Oldham Athletic’s chronic lack of firepower was again evident as they were held to a home goalless draw by Northampton Town.
That’s three games in Sky Bet League One and no goals, a worry for manager Stephen Robinson.
Taking into account friendlies and all other games, Latics have scored four goals in nine games – and none of them have been by strikers.
Latics dominated the game against the Cobblers, but they are unable to convert possession into goals, despite striker Lee Erwin having one effort cleared off the goalline.
Robinson made two changes from Saturday’s goalless game against Walsall handing a debut to new-signing Charles Dunne at left back and recalling Lee Croft on the right wing in place of Marc Klok.
Latics had the first half chance of the game after two minutes as Billy Mckay, who lined up against his former side, laid the ball to Ryan Flynn on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked.
Connor Ripley was forced into a smart save soon after to keep out a header from Alex Revell who then fired the rebound over the bar.
Former Latics’ defender Zander Diamond had a shot blocked as the Cobblers took control.
Latics’ best chance of the night came after 32 minutes when Dunne broke forward only to see his shot blocked. The ball rebounded to Croft who set up Erwin whose drive was cleared off the line.
Peter Clarke’s headed was not far off target and Josh Law volleyed wide as Latics finished the opening period strongly.
Latics began the second half brightly as Clarke forced a decent save from Cobblers’ keeper Adam Smith.
Robinson brought on right-winger Calaum Jahraldo-Martin for Croft and his debut just after the hour.
Latics continued to dominate, but the visitors defended resolutely.
Cameron Burgess’ header flew narrowly wide and Darius Osei was introduced in the final 10 minutes to add some attacking flair and hopefully make that elusive breakthrough.
The final chance of the game came in added on time as Jahraldo-Martin fired over the crossbar from the edge of the box as Latics had to settle for a point.
Latics (4-4-2): Ripley; Law, Burgess, Clarke, Dunne; Croft (Jahraldo-Martin 64), Green, Fane, Flynn (Klok 89); Erwin, Mckay (Osei 82). Subs (not used): Kettings, Wilson, Edmundson, Banks.
Attendance: 3,327.