A breathtaking finish from Nick Blackman earned Latics their 4th point in three visits to the Capital this season, in front of 5,125 (245) at Griffin Park.

Latics started the game at Griffin Park without influential midfield pair Chris Taylor and Jon Worthington, two of a total of 15 players unavailable to manager Dave Penney.

David Kalnoki-Kis, Djeny Bembo-Leta and Phil McGrath were all included in Penney's match day squad for the first time, Kalnoki-Kis becoming the first member of the MTK Budapest squad to be involved with the Athletic first team.

David Hunt's long throw caused Latics problems all game, as Brentford adopted a direct and utterly uninteresting long ball approach to the tie.

A Peter Gilbert free kick was flicked on in the Brentford area by Sean Gregan on 12 minutes and almost gave Latics the lead.

Price had got himself stranded in no man's land in the home goal and could do nothing as the ball sailed over his head.

But frustratingly for Athletic Hunt was behind his 'keeper on the goal line and was able to clear.

A back-and-forth game, in which Athletic were creating the more clear cut chances almost had a goal on the half hour.

Sam Saunders, who stood out for the hosts - causing Athletic problems all game, was almost on the score sheet when a bobbling ball on the edge of the area fell kindly to him.

His drive deflected wide off the on rushing Andy Holdsworth for a corner.

Saunders was once again at the heart of the home side's efforts, when with 41 minutes gone Brentford were awarded a penalty.

He beat two Athletic men on the edge of the area, before finally being felled by Holdsworth, Kevin O'Conner beating Dean Brill high to the 'keepers left.

Athletic had been the better side in the first half, and ten minutes into the second half they were level.

Nick Blackman's first touch on the edge of the area was good, his second excellent and his third sublime.

The on loan man curling an inch perfect ball into the top right hand corner of the goal from 25 yards.

It was nothing short of exceptional from Blackman.

Latics remained the side most likely to score, but it was the home side, continuing their long high ball tactics, who almost snatched it.

Yet another long throw from Hunt found Carl Cort free in the area, Brill making an excellent fingertip save to push the ball over the bar from his header.

Whilst Latics were often the better side, they again wasted opportunities in front of goal.

Meanwhile the hosts, who had a reputation for free flowing football in League 2, were contented with the long hopeful balls forward and seemed happiest with a point.

Overall Manager Dave Penney will be happy with a point from a tough, battling test, and must now look forward to the visit of Accrington Stanley to Boundary Park on Tuesday (K/O 7:45).