Latics extended their unbeaten league start, but they lived dangerously at times at home to Bristol Rovers.

The Latics defence lived a charmed existence at time as Rovers striker Will Hoskins gave them a torrid time.

Hoskins gave Rovers an early lead but Latics hit back through a first goal of the season from Chris Taylor.

Latics, who began the second half with the score 1-1, could have gone ahead for the first time soon after the restart.

Jean Yves M'voto got on the end of a Paul Black cross, but could not direct a header from six yards on target.

Latics went close again just short of the hour through a near-post header by Oumare Tounkara which flew narrowly wide following a Dale Stephens corner.

Tounkara caused mayhem again in the Rovers defence creating an opening for Dean Furman whose goalbound effort was deflected wide for a corner.

Rovers became more of a threat after an hour following the introduction of big striker John Akinde and the switch to a more adventurous 4-3-3 system.

Hoskins was relishing his new role wide right as he had three clear-cut chances in as many minutes.

He was twice denied by brilliant saves from keeper Dean Brill and on the third occasion saw an effort from inside the six-yard box strike the crossbar.

Latics made their first substitution after 75 minutes when Joe Jacobson replaced Rodrigue Dikaba. Jacobson, who is usually a left-back, played left midfield with Taylor swopping to the right wing.

Oldham regained their composure as Dean Furman crashed a long-range drive narrowly wide.

Rovers were reduced to 10 men after 85 minutes when central defender Danny Coles was sent off for a second booking.

Manager Paul Dickov brought himself on for the final four minutes of normal time and additional eight minutes of stoppages. It was Dickov's first competitive appearance for Latics.

Ten-man Rovers almost snatched victory in stoppage time when Akinde's shot deflected off Jean Yves M'voto and looked to be looping in until Brill acrobatically managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Then right at the death, Stephens could have won it for Latics as his free kick from 30 yards clipped the top of the crossbar.

Full-time: Latis 1, Bristol Rovers 1.