OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, AFC WIMBLEDON 0
Oldham Athletic fired another blank as a home goalless draw against AFC Wimbledon leaves them anchored in the relegation places in Sky Bet League One.
It was another frustrating afternoon for Latics who have scored a measly nine goals in 17 league games, largely the reason why they are anchored three points adrift of safety.
Incredibly, Latics have found the net in only six of their league games, a woeful return as they continue to toil in the final third of the pitch.
Latics did enough to win the game, but again lacked a cutting edge as their miserable home record continued – they have picked up only seven points from a possible 27 at SportsDirect.com Park.
Lady luck was also not on Latics’ side as substitute Freddie Ladapo’s header struck the crossbar in the last minute as they so nearly emerged victorious.
Manager Stephen Robinson recalled captain Peter Clarke, Cameron Dummigan and Lee Erwin who had all been rested in midweek for the Checkatrade Trophy tie at Blackburn Rovers, but key midfield player Paul Green was again an absentee through a calf strain.
Wimbledon created the first chances of the game as Jake Reeves curled a shot wide and Dean Parrett had an effort easily saved by keeper Connor Ripley.
Latics eventually began to create openings as Dons’ keeper James Shea twice denied Billy Mckay the opening goal of the game.
Wimbledon remained a threat as Lyle Taylor volleyed into the side netting and Ripley dived at the feet of Reeves.
Latics finished the half sternly as Erwin’s header was push to safety by Shea.
Dons had a great chance to take the lead early in the second half when Taylor found himself free in front of goal, but Clarke deflected his shot to safety.
Latics were living dangerously as the visitors again went close but Ripley pulled off a great save in a goalmouth scramble.
Robinson brought on Lee Croft in place of Erwin after 53 minutes and Latics were almost ahead a minute later.
Ryan McLaughlin beat his man, crossed into the box but Ryan Flynn could not connect with his header.
Dons had a great opportunity to take the lead after an hour as Ollie Banks fouled Andy Barcham 25 yards from goal. Parrett stepped up, struck it over the wall but curled it past the far post.
Chris Whelpdale’s strike tested the palms of Ripley minutes later before Latics started to carve out the better chances in the final 15 minutes.
Flynn cut the ball back to Banks whose shot from well outside the box was well saved by Shea.
Latics thought they had won the game in the final minute of the game as substitute Ladapo struck the crossbar with a close-range header while Clarke headed the rebound wide.
Suggestions it crossed the line were waved away by the referee, whilst from the rebound Clarke headed past the post.
Deep into added time, Croft let fly from 25 yards which Shea beat away his shot as Latics had finally ran out of time.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; McLaughlin, Fane, Banks, Flynn; Erwin (Croft 53), Mckay (Ladapo 66). Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Wilson, Winchester, Osei.
Attendance: 3,856