Boss Dave Penney kept his Latics side in the dressing room for over half an hour Friday night, after they were beaten three-nil by 4th from bottom Hartlepool.

Latics never really developed a foothold in the tie, despite having the first clear cut chance of the game on 10 minutes.

An excellent back heel from Pawel Abbott allowed Alex Marrow to flick the ball over the top of the 'Pool defence, but as Keigan Parker raced unmarked into the area he could only fire some distance wide.

Latics almost paid for their poor finishing on 18 minutes Behan fizzed a ball all the way across the Latics goal mouth, inside the six yard box, missing all 6 players in the area and going out for a throw in.

However the visitors were not to be denied.

A series of lax balls and mistakes from several Latics players over the space of two minutes allowed Hartlepool to maintain pressure and when Behan found James Brown on the edge of the area he curled an exquisite drive around the full stretch Dean Brill.

Athletic had a chance to level on 27 minutes thanks once again to the excellent first touch of Abbott.

He was found by debutant Joe Colbeck, with a slide-rule pass on the edge of the area, and took the ball past his man with ease before dragging his right footed shot wide across the face of goal.

It was a welcome respite for Latics, who had struggled to find their rhythm in the opening 25 minutes.

Hartlepool almost doubled their lead on half an hour, Sam Collins rising unchallenged to meet a corner from the right, thankfully for Latics Sheehan was able to slap the ball clear off the goal line.

On 36 minutes Hartlepool finally doubled their advantage.

Monkhouse attacked with pace down the right and his deep lofted ball to the back post was headed goal-wards by McSweeney.

It, somehow, slipped between Dean Brill's hands and the crossbar when it looked like the Latics 'keeper had it saved.

Latics made one half time substitution as they attempted to chase the game at Boundary Park, Nick Blackman replacing Danny Whitaker.

The introduction of Blackman saw Keigan Parker move to left wing, Blackman joining Pawel Abbott in attack.

Up until the hour mark Athletic had been better, but still lacked the cutting edge to break down the visitors, and shortly after an injured Worthington had been replaced by Dean Furman the game was effectively over.

A harsh free kick against Reuben Hazell, on 40 yards, was drilled into the top right hand corner by Denis Behan.

Latics were robbed of a consolation goal on 84 minutes, after Alan Sheehan beat his man twice in the area and looped an exquisite ball towards the top right hand corner.

Frustratingly for Athletic Flinders was able to get his fingertips to the ball and tip it on to the crossbar, denying the Irishman a goal akin to that of Nick Blackman's at Brentford.

4,014 (268) fans were in attendance at Boundary park, but few will leave happy after the home side failed to establish themselves in the game.

Latics' Boss Dave Penney spoke with the media after the game, admitting that the side will be hauled into Boundary Park at 9:30am tomorrow (Saturday) to watch the game DVD and establish what is required of the side if they are to turn things around for Athletic.

The complete interview with Penney will be available online shortly, exclusive to Latics Player subscribers.