Disappointment for Latics as they are held by Eastleigh

There was more disappointment for Latics as they dropped further National League points at home to Eastleigh.

A 1-1 draw came in a game Latics could and should have won.

Manager Micky Mellon made three changes from the side which lost 2-0 to League Two side Newport County in the FA Cup first round last week.

Liam Hogan, Dan Glover and Alex Reid replaced Joe Nuttall, Nathan Sheron (suspended) and Brennan Dickenson.

The result means Mellon has one win out of five matches - the 4-3 success at Rochdale - which has been followed by a defeat at Fylde, draw with Altrincham, defeat at Newport and now another draw with Eastleigh.

They have also failed to win at home since beating Oxford City on September 23.

Prior to the start, the commemoration of Armistice Day was marked with the utmost respect from all the military personnel, the clergy, players, officials and crowd (and at half time Latics' chairman Frank Rothwell addressed the 6,418 crowd over the tannoy to talk about his forthcoming transatlantic rowing trip).

After a bright start from Latics, they were rocked by a very soft penalty being awarded against them against the run of play on 25 minutes when Hobson was harshly adjudged to have fouled Paul McCallum in the box.

From the ensuing spot kick, Chris McGuire sent the ball low pass Matt Hudson’s right after the keeper had dived the right way.

The first real chance fell to Latics after 40 minutes when James Norwood’s firm header in the box was well saved by Eastleigh keeper Joe McDonnell.

For Latics the first half was frustrating as often some good build up play was held up with the final ball and some excellent blocks from the visitors' defence.

And the hosts started the second half brightly as Hogan headed over the bar from Hallam Hope’s cross within a minute of the restart.

And on 55 minutes, Lundstram put Reid through, but the striker’s shot was just wide.

On the hour Kurt Willoughby replaced Hope as they pressed for an equaliser, which came on 69 minutes.

Brilliant play from Harrison McGahey found Kitchen on the left and his low cross found Reid on the edge of the box and the striker hammered home.

With five minutes of normal time remaining Mike Fondop and Mark Shelton came on for Norwood and Dan Gardner as Latics pressed for a winner.

And within one-minute Fondop’s turn and volley had already tested McDonnell.

Finally in stoppage time Fondop turned provider, finding Willoughby who shot just wide.

The result means that Latics stay 10th in the National League with two away matches to come, at Woking next Saturday, and Barnet on Wednesday week.

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