Latics fell at the first hurdle for the third successive cup game on Saturday evening, having already been knocked out of the Carling cup by Carlisle and the Johnstones Paint Trophy by Accrington Stanley.

A stunning strike from Jon Howson followed by a late Mike Grella goal wrapped up the win for visitors Leeds United, Athletic clearly missing the threat of Pawel Abbott in attack.

Abbott was absent after having his hernia operated on, in Germany, on Tuesday afternoon. Frustratingly for Athletic and the Polish striker experienced complications during the procedure which means that he is now likely to miss 4-6 weeks of first team football.

Whilst Abbott was missing at the front for Athletic at the back were two debutants, in Darryl Flahavan and Lee Hills, who both joined Latics on loan from Crystal Palace.

However neither could do anything to prevent Leeds taking the just before half time, when Howson was afforded too much time on the ball 25 yards from goal, before unleashing an unstoppable drive which dipped in off the underside of the Athletic crossbar.

Flahavan had previously taken just twelve minutes to show why boss Dave Penney brought him to the club, racing off his line to parry clear a dreadful Reuben Hazell header back towards his 'keeper.

It was an excellent reaction save from the new boy, under immense pressure from the two Leeds strikers.

Despite the half chance for the visitors it was Athletic who should have been ahead, Joe Colbeck wasting a golden opportunity to open the scoring with 23 minutes played.

Colbeck won the ball well on the edge of the Leeds area, as Kisnorbo stumbled in possession, but his touch was heavy as he entered the area unchallenged and Ankergren was able to dash out and smother the ball.

It was a poor miss from the Latics wide man and one which Athletic paid dearly for, with Abbott's absence in attack pronounced.

Athletic remained dominant in possession during the second half but were unable to generate any clear cut chances on goal, Taylor, following a huge clearance from Flahavan, coming closest just before the hour.

The winger curled a right footed drive towards the foot of the post from 18 yards, but frustratingly for Latics Ankergren was able to get down to push the ball wide for a corner, with an excellent fingertip save.

Latics improved second half performance came thanks in part due to the replacement of Joe Colbeck with Danny Whitaker on the stroke of half time, the change allowing Athletic to nullify the dominating performance of former Latic Neil Kilkenny.

But it was to be of no avail, and despite the introduction of Kieran Lee and Ryan Brooke in the latter stages of the second half Latics could do nothing to prevent substitute Mike Grella from sealing the win in stoppage time, in front of 5,552 fans (2,671 from Leeds).

He calmly slotted home from close range following a blistering counter attack, Athletic fully committed to finding an equaliser.

Latics are next in action away to Gillingham on Saturday (K/O 3pm) and fans can catch a full interview with Latics boss Dave Penney on Latics Player shortly.