Latics had to settle for a point at Stonebridge Road as they played out a goalless draw with Ebbsfleet in front of the TNT Sports cameras.

Both sides traded chances in the first half, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

Moving into the second half, Latics’ forward line changed - with James Norwood coming off due to injury - seeing Dallas partner Fondop in attack.

Mike Fondop caused the Fleet defence problems, but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

Oldham had to fend off large spells of Ebbsfleet possession and chances, and successfully did, seeing the sides share the points.

Athletic started the game brightly, having a good share of chances in the opening minutes of the game, but couldn’t make any of them count, as Ebbsfleet came into the game more as the half progressed.

Oldham had to be defiant at the back, with former Latics, Dominic Poleon, being active but not overly accurate with his efforts at Mat Hudson.

Hudson was called into action as the second half got underway, Toby Edser was through on goal and seemed likely to score, just to be denied by the out-stretched boot of Mat’s right leg.

Mellon looked to add more spice to the Oldham frontline, changing shape to bring Andrew Dallas on in place of Nathan Sheron.

Following that change, a good save from Hudson and Latics players putting their bodies on the line - something we’ve seen a lot in recent games - kept the score level.

Mat parried the maiden shot from Poleon, just for Ebbsfleet to follow it up with two quick, close-range shots, with a number of blue shirts on the line keeping the ball out of the net.

Play calmed for the most part following that, prompting Micky to return Devarn Green to the side, his first league appearances since the reverse fixture.

Both sides looked for a winner as the game’s conclusions neared, Ebbsfleet especially put Latics under pressure at times, but resilient defending from the defence kept the busy Fleet attack quiet.

Mikey had two chances to win it for Latics right at the death, the first came on the counter as he looked to pick out the far corner with a placed shot, and the second came as Conlon’s free-kick found him at the far post, but both efforts went wide, leaving Oldham to take a point back up the M6.

Oldham: Hudson, Sachdev (Green, 70’), Kitching, Hobson, Lundstram, Sheron (Dallas, 52’), Raglan, McGahey, Garner, Norwood (Fondop, 60’), Conlon.

Subs not used: Norman, Hammond.

Ebbsfleet: Cousins, O’Neill, Wright, Sterling-James (McQueen, 77’), Cisse, Bingham, Poleon (Samuel, 80’), Edser (Ibe, 84’), Chapman, Skura, Kenlock.

Subs not used: Clifford, Fogarty.

Referee: Ruebyn Ricardo

Attendance: 1,859 (263)