Chris Taylor must be wondering what he has to do to find the net after twice being denied by the heroics of keeper John Sullivan during the opening half of Latics' home league match against Yeovil.

Sullivan's double save ensured the opening period ended goalless in what developped into a battle for the three points which were at stake.

Latics could have been 2-0 ahead following a whirlwind opening five minutes at rainswept Boundary Park.

Taylor's long-range effort looked destined for the top corner of the net only for keeper Sullivan to produce a brilliant save to deflect the effort over the crossbar.

Ritchie Jones then had a great chance, but pulled his shot wide from the right side of the penalty area.

After the explosive start, the match died somewhat as both teams cancelled out each other.

Dale Stephens will have been disappointed to have fired a free kick over the crossbar midway through the half when it was well within his range.

Latics keeper Dean Brill was called into action for the first time in the 26th minute saving well low to his left from Dean Bowditch's excellent shot on the turn from the edge of the penalty area.

Sam Williams then had a shot deflected narrowly wide for a corner as Yeovil became a threat for the first time in the match.

Reuben Hazell could have opened the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark with what would have been one of the goals of the season.

The central defender's long wind-assisted punt downfield from inside his own half bounced over keeper Sullivan and only cleared the crossbar by a matter of inches.

Taylor was denied for a second time by another spectacular save from Sullivan who again did superbly to turn over his drive for a corner.

Brill then had to be alert to palm away an angled shot from Bowditch, the last action of the half.

Half-time: Latics 0, Yeovil 0.