Latics' dismal second half of the season ends with home defeat by struggling Wealdstone

Latics were beaten at home by Wealdstone. Image courtesy of Mark Rooney

Latics ended a hugely disappointing National League campaign with a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of struggling Wealdstone.

The second half of the season was particularly poor, with Micky Mellon's team having gone from play-off contenders in February to closing the 2023/24 campaign winless in 11 matches.

It's little wonder the atmosphere inside Boundary Park was muted as Wealdstone came from behind to win.

Wealdstone secured their National League survival with their deserved victory.

Mike Fondop put Latics in front with a close-range header in the 17th minute, but Jack Young immediately responded three minutes into the second half with a header to draw level.

The Stones took the lead just six minutes later when Sam Bowen's deflected effort went in, but Fondop scored his second of the game to level, smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Mason Barrett ensured Wealdstone's survival after firing them ahead in the 75th minute, while Latics finished 10th in the table.

Boss Mellon has come under plenty of fire from Latics fans lately.

He said: "I said when we first came in that I thought we may be in trouble and needed major surgery, which is ongoing.

"We have tried to squeeze everything out of the players.

"I do the best I can with the group that I have got, but we’re in the business of winning football match and haven’t been able to do that."

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