Sub Poleon earns Oldham a point

Photo: ALAN HOWARTH

DOMINIC POLEON

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OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1 - WIGAN ATHLETIC 1

ATHLETIC'S second game under David Dunn ended in a second straight 1-1 draw, this time against 10-man Wigan.

Substitute Dominic Poleon rescued a point for the hosts, who pressed hard for a winner late in the Lancashire battle of the Athletics after Jordan Flores had been deservedly sent off midway through the second period.

After being drafted straight in for his debut following the midweek loan switch from Sheffield United, Michael Higdon almost enjoyed a dream start to his Oldham career when he saw a 12th-minute header palmed onto the post by Wigan 'keeper Richard O'Donnell.

The game was then lit up by a cracking goal from Wigan midfielder Max Power.

The former Tranmere man smashed home a sweet strike from more than 25 yards to stun the home faithful.

It was almost 2-0 on the stroke of half-time, but this time Oldham 'keeper David Cornell produced a world-class stop from point-blank save to somehow deny Jordy Hiwula.

The hosts livened up in the second period, with Higdon seeing another goal-bound header saved comfortably this time by O'Donnell.

The pendulum then swung back into Oldham's favour in the 71st minute when Wigan were reduced to 10 men.

After hosts' debutant Jay Fulton roared in to tackle youngster Flores, the Wigan striker reacted by kicking out at the Swansea loanee, and was sent off immediately by referee Mr Handley.

Three minutes later Dunn's battlers made the most of their numerical advantage when sub Poleon lashed into the roof of the net from close range after meeting Fulton's low cross.

Poleon came closest to snatching a late winner, dragging a shot wide from 12 yards.