OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0, EXETER CITY 0
Nervy Oldham Athletic are finally up and running after winning their first point of the season following a home goalless draw against high-flying and unbeaten Exeter City.
And while one point from a possible 12 is a miserable start to the season, at least they halted a losing run of five straight defeats in league and cup before a pitifully low crowd of 2,805.
It was not without its scares as Exeter thought they had snatched victory in the 94th minutes but to Latics’ relief Matt Jay’s header was ruled out for offside.
It was also significant that the first clean sheet of the campaign coincided with the return of the vastly experienced David Wheater after injury.
Wheater was one of four changes made by head coach Laurent Banide from the side beaten heavily at Bradford City as there were also recalls for Tom Hamer and Johan Branger-Engone and a first start for Chris Eagles.
Captain Mohammed Maouche and Christopher Missilou were ruled out through injury while Zak Mills and Sonhy Sefil lost their places.
Latics had the first chance of the game but Dylan Fage fired over.
The visitors nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Jayden Richardson dribbled down the right before driving a low cross into the box and it met by Lee Martin whose shot was deflected narrowly wide.
Exeter came close again following a free-kick that was cleared by Wheater to Martin who beat Mohamad Sylla but dragged his shot wide.
The Grecians should have been ahead in the 30th minute when Ryan Bowman turned Alex Iacovitti but hi shot was easily collected by Gary Woods.
Gevaro Nepomuceno came close to putting Latics ahead when he cut in from the right but his shot went wide of Lewis Ward’s goal.
Just before half-time Branger-Engone should have given the hosts the lead. A brilliant delivery from Ashley Smith-Brown landed to an unmarked player but he headed wide from the edge of the six-yard box.
After the restart, Exeter came close again as Martin was allowed to turn inside the penalty area, but strike went across goal.
Jay failed to put Exeter ahead midway through the second half when Jack Sparkes’ cross found Jay and his header went wide of Woods’ goal from a matter of yards.
The Grecians continued to apply pressure on Latics, and a ball was played back to Nicky Law on the edge of the box and his strike went just wide of the post.
Latics thought they had taken the lead with 12 minutes left. A corner was headed down by Wheater and Hamer’s effort was cleared off the line.
Moments later, Wood denied Jake Taylor who raced clean through on goal but was denied by Latics’ goalkeeper.
It looked like Exeter had snatched a winner in the 94th minute when Jay headed home from close range but it was ruled out for offside.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Woods; Hamer, Wheater, Iacovitti, Smith-Brown; Fage, Sylla, Eagles (Wilson 69), Nepomuceno (Mills 77); Branger-Engone (Sefil 90), Azankpo. Subs (not used): Zabret, Stott, Adams, Wilson, Vera.
Attendance: 2,805.