Latics' new campaign gets off to a disastrous start

Latics were hammered 4-0 at Southend in their opening National League game of the season

Latics were thumped 4-0 at cash-strapped Southend on the opening day of the new National League season.

The Shrimpers put their off-field issues aside as they battled to a surprising win over 10-man Latics.

Southend boss Kevin Maher was only able to register 15 players for their National League opener due to a transfer embargo that has been in place since September due to money owed to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

But they got off to a flying start when Callum Powell managed to squirm an effort in after Latics struggled to clear their lines from a corner in the eighth minute.

The visitors were reduced to the 10 men in the 57th minute following Will Sutton's lunge at Nathan Ralph.

Oliver Coker scored just seconds after coming on as a substitute with an 83rd-minute strike from 25 yards, before Dan Mooney added to their lead with a calm finish four minutes later.

Southend fans were in dreamland when Coker turned provider as Harry Cardwell nodded home in the sixth of 10 minutes added time for an ultimately convincing opening win.

Latics return to action on Saturday when they host Aldershot Town.

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