Own-goal misery for Latics
It was an opening half to forget for Latics who trailed to a James Tarkowski own goal in the npower League One derby clash against Bury at Boundary Park.
The unfortunate own goal mirrored a miserable 45 minutes for Latics who were second best in all departments.
The unfortunate own goal mirrored a miserable 45 minutes for Latics who were second best in all departments.
Bury would have snatched an eighth-minute lead but for a fine save from Dean Bouzanis to claw out a Tom Hopper header.
And when Latics failed to clear the resulting corner, a chance fell to Dominic Poleon, but he could only shoot straight at Bouzanis (pictured) from six yards.
Latics were struggling to find any fluency to their play in what was turning out to be a disjointed opening period.
Bury made a 34th minute breakthrough with a goal which just about summed up Latics' lethargic showing.
Matt Doherty crossed from the right and Cliff Byrne's defensive header hit Tarkowski from point-blank range and cannoned low past Bouzanis.
Manager Paul Dickov immediately replaced Cristian Montano with Dean Furman to try and provide some much-needed direction in the middle of the park.
Doherty tried a 35-yard drive which brought a diving save from Bouzanis as Bury remained in the ascendancy.
Latics had their first goal attempt of the half in the 42nd minute when Robbie Simpson's shot from outside the box forced a diving save from keeper Trevor Carson.
Half-time: Latics 0, Bury 1