SHREWSBURY TOWN 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
It was a case of near and yet so far for Oldham Athletic as they began 2018 with an unlucky loss at high-flying Shrewsbury Town.
Latics felt they ought to have been awarded a late penalty that would have given them the chance for a share of the spoils.
Shaun Whalley’s first-goal goal, disappointing from Latics’ viewpoint, was all that separated the teams.
But it was the rejected shout for a penalty after Craig Davies went down that was the major point of discussion as the festive period has been disappointing with one point from a possible 12.
And after climbing to 16th place, Latics have slid back to fifth bottom and only one point clear of the relegation places.
Manager Richie Wellens made four changes to the side that drew against Bristol Rovers two days earlier to freshen up his side after the hectic festive programme.
Anthony Gerrard returned to captain the side while Saturday’s goalscorer Craig Davies earned a starting spot and led the line for Latics.
Shrewsbury had the first opportunity of the game after five minutes. Stefan Payne cut in from the left and unleashed a fierce effort which goalkeeper Johny Placide tipped over the crossbar.
Latics were the next to go close through midfielder Jack Byrne. After good football on the edge of the box, Byrne struck from 25 yards but his effort was saved by Dean Henderson.
Davies then forced a save from Henderson as Latics took the game to their hosts.
However, Shrewsbury Town took the lead after 16 minutes through Whalley. Abu Ogogo’s shot from 25 yards was saved but Placide could only palm it into the path of Whalley who converted from close range.
The winger almost netted a second minutes later but his free kick flashed past the far post.
On the half hour, Placide again was forced into action as Stefan Payne’s close range header was tipped away by the goalkeeper.
Tope Obadeyi dragged a shot wide from distance after 43 minutes, the best chance Latics had.
Latics started the second half a lot better and almost found an equaliser after 47 minutes when Henderson saved Gerrard’s header following Byrne’s free kick.
The hosts almost doubled their lead soon after but Aristote Nsiala fired over from close range following a corner.
Ryan Flynn’s last involvement was a shot from 25 yards before he was replaced by Aaron Amadi-Holloway on the hour.
The introduction of Amadi-Holloway saw Latics retain the ball in higher areas and they started to put pressure on the Shrewsbury back line.
Byrne thought he had equalised after 78 minutes as he fired low towards the bottom corner from 25 yards but Henderson somehow managed to tip his effort around the post.
The momentum was with Latics and seconds later, they felt they should have been awarded a penalty.
A long ball forward by Byrne found Davies who was bundled to the floor by the last defender but the referee waved no penalty to the frustration of the the players. management and fans.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-1-1): Placide; Dummigan, Bryan, Gerrard, Hunt; Fane (Green 85), Gardner, Flynn (Holloway 61), Obadeyi (Menig 77); Byrne; Davies. Subs (not used): Wilson, Wilson, Maouche, Nepomuceno.
Goal: Whalley (16) for Shrewsbury.
Attendance: 6,383 (503 visitors).