Manager Stephen Robinson was disappointed with yesterday’s result but felt his side more than matched Bolton Wanderers.
A goal in each half from Zach Clough won the game for the Trotters and the manager gave his assessment after the game.
He said: “It was a disappointing result but I thought the performance was good.
“The decision that went against us early in the game was a ridiculous decision and it carried on with four or five decisions later on which were incredible.
"Goals change games, there is no other way to put it. I thought we created a lot of chances but if you don’t take them then as I say, goals change games.
“Carl Winchester had four or five good chances to hit the target and didn’t but I thought he was outstanding all day and was our best player.
“Paul Green missed a super chance when one-on-one with the goalkeeper and Freddie misses the follow up and if you don’t take those chances away from home against a team who are favourites for promotion then you’re not going to win the game so it was very disappointing."
Whilst Athletic did not manage to get a result from the game, Robinson could not fault the effort from his players.
"I can’t come out and slate any players. They have dug in, their commitment and desire was brilliant but if you don’t score, you’re not going to win games,” he commented.
“People make individual errors but that’s what happens with young players and we will learn from that, Cameron Burgess will learn from it and he has my backing.”
Over 2,000 supporters made the short journey to the Macron Stadium and the gaffer reserved a special word for them.
“The fans were terrific, they really got behind the boys and the result is a let down for them really,” he said.
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.