Latics hit back to earn a point against Gateshead

Latics produced a solid performance in front of a 5,583 Bank Holiday crowd at Boundary Park and were unfortunate not to win the game as they drew 1-1 with Gateshead.

Two goals, one in the first half and the equaliser early in the second, saw the game finish 1-1.

Striker James Norwood was in the starting line up for the first time this season as manager Micky Mellon made two changes from the 4-1 defeat at Aldershot.

Norwood replaced Mike Fondop, who was named as a substitute, and Dan Gardner returned for an injured Josh Kay.

Opponents Gateshead had made a strong start to their season winning three of their four games and in second place in the table.

Despite Latics opening strongly it was the visitors who took the lead in the 10th minute when Tyrelle Newton’s 25-yard shot beat keeper Matt Hudson just inside his right-hand post.

Latics pressed forward looking for an equaliser and on 27 minutes came close when first Dan Gardner and then Charlie Raglan saw their shots blocked before Manny Monthe’s back post effort was saved by Brooks.

Josh Lundstram and Tom Conlon both saw their shots thwarted, and Gardner came close as they sought to level the scores at half time.

Latics increased their dominance after the break, pressing strongly with a high tempo, Norwood with a half chance on 52 minutes but to no avail.

On 55 minutes, Oldham got the equaliser they thoroughly deserved.

Gardner’s free kick found Monthe in a central position in the Gateshead penalty area and the defender fired it firmly into the net for his second goal of the season.

Norwood came off after a tough and energetic first 60 minutes with Fondop taking his place.

Two minutes later Athletic almost went ahead in a bizarre fashion.

Continually pressed by the Oldham attack in the final third, a mix up in the Gateshead defence saw Jean Belehouan’s back pass wrongfoot keeper Tiernan Brooks and seemly looked goal bound.

The ball hit the inside of the post and the advancing Uchegbulam eventually saw his shot in the ensuing scramble put away for a corner.

Midway through the half Callum Dolan came on for his debut replacing the impressive Dan Gardner.

Still Oldham kept their dominance, Fondop volleying wide, Charsley saw his effort charged down, while at the other end Gateshead substitute Owen Oseni’s header into the net was chalked off for offside.

Ogle was replaced by Jake Caprice with barely ten minutes to go as Latics pressure for a winner was relentless and though Kain Adam fired over for Gateshead late on the away side left grateful for the point.

“When we came in at half time, we structured things a wee bit differently,” said manager Micky Mellon.

“And credit to the players we got after them. We should have won that out of sight.

"We had so many chances.

"We were the team in the ascendancy, they were struggling to get out their half and I think they are a good team.

"To be disappointed at the end that we didn’t win shows you where we really are.”

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