COVENTRY CITY 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
A clash of Sky League One’s most impotent attacks almost predictably ended in a goalless draw at the Ricoh Area.
Oldham Athletic had managed a paltry four goals in eight league games, one more than Coventry City from the same number of fixtures.
Yet on the flip side of the coin, Latics have kept five clean sheets in the league, testimony to how well they have defended.
While it was a creditable away point, it did not disguise the fact that Latics are desperately lacking in firepower.
And with emergency loans no longer permitted, manager Stephen Robinson is hamstrung until the January transfer window reopens.
In saying that, they came closest to victory with Lee Erwin’s long-range effort striking the crossbar while Ollie Banks also went close on several occasions.
Robinson made three changes to his starting line up as Freddie Ladapo returned from illness, Brian Wilson was restored to the defence and Banks preferred to Ryan Flynn in midfield.
Latics, who also had a change of formation to 3-5-2 to 4-4-2, started brightly as Marc Klok’s short corner found Paul Green in the penalty box, he went down under a challenge, but his penalty appeal was rejected.
They almost took the lead after 13 minutes when Ladapo raced through on goal, but he was forced wide and his shot was tipped wide by Coventry keeper Reice Charles-Cook.
Coventry also had a penalty appeal waved away after Jodi Jones went down under a challenge from Charles Dunne.
Both sides had opportunities to take the lead before the break. Latics were the first to go close as Josh Law crossed to an unmarked Ladapo but he could not take the control the ball and the chance was lost.
Coventry should have gone ahead on the stroke of half time through Marcus Tudgay who headed wide from six yards.
Latics made a change at the break when Law was replaced by Lee Croft as they looked for new attacking ideas.
Latics had the first opportunity of the second half after Charles Dunne won the ball on the left and released Klok to strike but Charles-Cook tipped his effort from inside the box past the post.
There was a lengthy stoppage as Jamie Sterry received a painful blow to the head and the game was halted for over five minutes.
Latics almost took the lead after an hour when Croft fed Wilson on the right and he knocked the ball back to Erwin but his sweet strike from just outside the box smashed against the bar.
That was followed by Latics’ best spell of the game as they bombarded Charles-Cook’s goal.
Banks won the ball from a throw in, played the ball to Erwin and the Leeds loanee found the midfielder who had continued his run into the box but his shot was saved by the Coventry goalkeeper.
A minute later, Green shaped a shot towards the top corner which dipped inches over the crossbar as Latics continued to try and force the opening goal.
Banks again had an opportunity from the edge of the box after Ladapo’s cut back but he struck over the crossbar.
Robinson made a change and brought Darius Osei into the action and the striker made an immediate impact.
His hold up play on the edge of the box was excellent and his shot was blocked wide for a corner.
While that was cleared, Latics continued their spell of dominance continued with Banks again forcing Charles-Cook into a low save after good work from Osei.
Ryan Flynn was introduced with 10 minutes remaining, replacing Klok.
Latics had to be wary of the counter attack as Marvin Sordell headed over after 84 minutes and Cameron Burgess was forced into some excellent defending with minutes remaining.
As Tudgay got in front of him, Burgess managed to get his leg back over the ball and divert the danger away.
Latics almost carved open their opponents in the final minute of normal time as Banks, Green and Croft combined, but Erwin’s effort was saved.
As the fourth official indicated eight minutes additional time, the hosts started to up the pressure but without really troubling Latics.
Jones’ free kick from 20 yards was the only dangerous moment but Latics held on to keep a clean sheet and come away with a respectable point.
Oldham Athletic (3-5-2): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Burgess; Law (Croft 46), Klok (Flynn 80), Green, Banks, Dunne; Ladapo (Osei 67), Erwin. Subs (not used): Kettings, Dummigan, McLaughlin, Mckay.
Attendance: 8,813 (453 visiting supporters)