Latics face uphill battle
It was an opening half to forget for Latics against Carlisle United in their important npower League One bottom-of-the-table clash.
Goals from Liam Noble and Jordan Mustoe put the Cumbrians into a commanding advantage.
Goals from Liam Noble and Jordan Mustoe put the Cumbrians into a commanding advantage.
Latics were quick out of the blocks as a cross from Bobby Reid inside the opening 30 seconds almost looped into the net at the far post.
It was Carlisle who went ahead in the ninth minute through a great solo effort from Noble.
The central midfield player shrugged off a challenge from James Wesolowski and burst forward before unleashing a terrific shot from the edge of the box which flew low to the left of keeper Dean Bouzanis.
Latics' first on target goal attempt came midway through the half when James Tarkowski headed straight at keeper Mark Gillespie from Jose Baxter's corner.
And the afternoon got worse for Latics when they conceded a second goal in the 33rd minute.
Noble turned provider releasing Mustoe on the left and the left back found the net with a delightful lob over keeper Bouzanis.
Latics responded positively as Lee Barnard (pictured) forced a diving save from Gillespie who made an even better flying stop to keep out a 25-yard drive from Baxter.
They then had a penalty appeal waved aside as Latics claimed Robbie Simpson's far-post header from Baxter's corner was handled.
Half-time: Latics 0, Carlisle United 2.
It was Carlisle who went ahead in the ninth minute through a great solo effort from Noble.
The central midfield player shrugged off a challenge from James Wesolowski and burst forward before unleashing a terrific shot from the edge of the box which flew low to the left of keeper Dean Bouzanis.
Latics' first on target goal attempt came midway through the half when James Tarkowski headed straight at keeper Mark Gillespie from Jose Baxter's corner.
And the afternoon got worse for Latics when they conceded a second goal in the 33rd minute.
Noble turned provider releasing Mustoe on the left and the left back found the net with a delightful lob over keeper Bouzanis.
Latics responded positively as Lee Barnard (pictured) forced a diving save from Gillespie who made an even better flying stop to keep out a 25-yard drive from Baxter.
They then had a penalty appeal waved aside as Latics claimed Robbie Simpson's far-post header from Baxter's corner was handled.
Half-time: Latics 0, Carlisle United 2.