Points Shared At Meadow Lane
A superb display from Latics was just not enough as they had to settle for a point against Notts County.Conor Wilkinson's late strike for Athletic was the closest either side came to opening the scoring but the result means Latics remain six games unbeaten and record their fourth clean sheet in five games.
Latics almost got off to the perfect start in the opening two minutes of the game. Quick thinking from Latics midfielder Mike Jones fed Dominic Poleon with his back to goal but the striker's cheeky backheel was saved by veteran goalkeeper Roy Carroll.
Conor Wilkinson was posing a threat in the opening exchanges of the game and looked to be fouled in the area but the referee booked the striker for diving.
The visitors kept up the pressure on the home sides goal and were unfortunate not to take the lead on 15 minutes. Jonathan Forte, who returned to the staring line up after missing the last two games, found space 25 yards from goal but his shot was deflected away from danger.
Minutes later, an almighty scramble in the penalty area almost saw George Elokobi prod the ball over the line but the referee spotted a foul and the chance passed.
Notts County started to come back into the game and caused a succession of corners but former Rochdale midfielder Gary Jones could not find the head of a Magpies player.
Latics continued their dominance on the first half with Jones and captain Liam Kelly at the forefront of most attacks.
As the first half drew to a close, Jones' inswinging free kick exceeded everyone but could not find a way past Magpies stopper, Carroll.
Athletic started the second half in the same manner as they started the first. Jones, who had been lively all afternoon, looked to be bundled over in the box but the ball fell for Forte who could not get his shot away.
The visiting support, who had been vocal all afternoon, were willing Latics forward and just before the hour mark, Wilkinson dragged a shot wide after Forte's shot deflected into his path.
The Magpies brought on Shaun Harrad and the striker made an impact, going close on two occasions but without really troubling Latics goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.
With 20 minutes of the game remaining, Forte was bundled to the floor but the referee waved away the penalty protests.
The game lit into life in the final ten minutes. Following the introduction of Danny Philliskirk and Amari Morgan-Smith, the visitors started to pick holes in the Magpies defence.
Wilkinson proved a real threat in the final minutes, having three opportunities which Notts County 'keeper Carroll had to save.
The striker shot from the edge of the area which the goalkeeper saved but the 19-year-old, who was making his first start for Latics, turned provider but Philliskirk could not direct his header on target.
With four minutes of additional time announced, Wilkinson had the best opportunity of the game to win it for Latics.
The striker powered his way through the defence before unleashing a shot from the edge of the area which forced the goalkeeper into a fingertip save to preserve a point.
Notts County:Carroll, Dumbuya, Hollis, Ismail, Murray (Harrod 58'), Cassidy, Jones, Noble, Haynes (Thompson 58'), Cranston, Laing.
Subs not used:Wroe, McKenzie, Spiess, Traore.
Oldham Athletic: Rachubka, B.Wilson, J.Wilson, Elokobi, Mills, Jones, Kelly, Winchester (Morgan-Smith 75'), Forte (Philliskirk 75'), Wilkinson, Poleon (Dayton 67).
Subs not used: Coleman, Brown, Kusunga, Dieng.
Goals: Notts County 0-0 Oldham Athletic
Attendance:5,109 (663 visiting supporters)