Dearnley's late strike earns Latics a point

Latics' assistant head coach Alan Maybury has demanded better from his team after they were forced to come from behind to earn a point at home against Carlisle United last night.

Zak Dearnley - with his second strike in as many games - scored a cracker 10 minutes from time to bag the hosts a 1-1 draw.

Maybury, speaking in Harry Kewell's absence after the boss registered as positive for Covid-19 in the hours leading up to the game, said: "I'm disappointed after that.

"We didn't reach the standards we set ourselves during the win at Bolton at the weekend.

"You need to be maintaining those levels at all times if you're to start moving up the table.

"We were okay in the first half, but the Carlisle goal really woke us up. It seemed to spark us into life and I felt we were much the better team after that.

"We got the goal we deserved from Zak, but collectively we know we can do much better.

"We're still finding our feet this season.

"It's been a bit stop-start so far, but if we can ditch that inconsistency we'll be okay."

Carlisle, who had won their previous three games, dominated early on and after only four minutes Gime Toure saw a shot strike the top of the crossbar after he met Jon Mellish's pass.

Latics replied with Leeds loanee Alfie McCalmont forcing a save from Paul Farman.

Carlisle were on top, though, and ex-Latics man Lewis Alessandra volleyed just wide after meeting George Tanner's cross.

The visitors then struck the woodwork again.

This time Toure side-footed against the post after he pounced following a slip by Latics defender Kyle Jameson.

Carlisle eventually struck eight minutes after the restart when Aaron Hayden rose to head home Callum Guy's in-swinging corner-kick.

The hosts went close to a leveller when Tom Hamer volleyed just over the top, then Ben Garrity dived in before heading Jordan Barnett's cross wide.

In the 80th minute Latics did get their reward when Dearnley swivelled beautifully on the edge of the box before slotting home from 15 yards after being tee'd up by sub Danny Rowe.

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