Defence cracked open by Hazel
One mistake proved their undoing as Latics reserves lost 1-0 to Chesterfield in a deluge at Chapel Road.A defensive lapse from James Tarkowski was exploited as Jacob Hazel struck the decisive goal in this Central League fixture.
Tarkowski was caught out late in the opening period as Hazel broke through on goal before slotting the ball low past keeper Liam Jacob.
In the wake of the monsoonal conditions, it was great testimony to Latics' groundstaff that the match went ahead.
And it wasn't a bad spectacle considering the sodden and slippery surface.
Mark Randall came close to scoring early on with a speculative shot from the centre circle. Keeper Liam Jacob, back pedalling, was forced to make an acrobatic save.
Latics carve out a series of chances without ever seriously troubling visiting keeper Ben Wilson.
Chesterfield, whose side included former Latics' pair Mark Allott and Danny Whitaker, struck the all-important goal five minutes before half-time.
Carlton McIntosh and a trialist midfielder came on at the break for Jose Baxter and Youssouf M'Changama.
Both sides might have won penalties early in the second half as Connor Brown was convinced he had won one as were Chesterfield following a dubious challenge from Tarkowski.
Latics continued to create chances as the hard-working Connor Hughes fired into the side netting while Daniel Taylor's deflected drive looped over the crossbar for a corner.
Hazel could have sealed a more emphatic victory, but for a fine save from Jacob to deny Hazel.
In the latter stages, Latics fired over some excellent crosses but there was nobody on hand to get on to the end of them as they finished empty handed.