Charles setback for Latics
Darius Charles fired Stevenage ahead on the stroke of half time in their Sky Bet League 1 match against Latics at The Lamex Stadium.
It was tough on Latics who not long before had a goal from James Tarkowski controversially ruled out.
It was tough on Latics who not long before had a goal from James Tarkowski controversially ruled out.
Latics had the better of the first 45 minutes, but could not find a route to goal.
There was an explosive opening minute to the game.
Latics could have taken the lead inside 30 seconds when Adam Rooney (pictured) glanced a header just wide from James Dayton's right-wing cross.
Stevenage then had left-back Lee Hills booked for a late challenge on Dayton.
Cristian Montano's long-range drive flew just wide as Latics continued their bright start.
Stevenage manager Graham Westley made a 14th minute substitution replacing Hills, warned again for a reckless challenge, with Filipe Morais before he was sent off.
Latics had James Tarkowski and Jose Baxter booked as referee Darren Sheldrake cautioned three players in the opening 20 minutes. And they were later joined by Stevenage right back Sam Wedgbury, for scything down Montano, and Simon Heslop.
There was a torrential downpour midway through the opening half.
Latics thought they had made the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Tarkowski had a goal ruled out.
Tarkowski beat keeper Chris Day to Baxter's free kick and headed home. Referee Sheldrake appeared to point to the centre spot for a restart only to change his mind moments later, presumably after the intervention of his assistant.
Stevenage took the lead in the 45th minute when former Latics' striker Oumare Tounkara headed against the upright from a Greg Tansey cross.
The ball was scrambled away only for Charles to blaze a close-range shot high into the roof of the net.
Half-time: Stevenage 1, Latics 0.
Stevenage then had left-back Lee Hills booked for a late challenge on Dayton.
Cristian Montano's long-range drive flew just wide as Latics continued their bright start.
Stevenage manager Graham Westley made a 14th minute substitution replacing Hills, warned again for a reckless challenge, with Filipe Morais before he was sent off.
Latics had James Tarkowski and Jose Baxter booked as referee Darren Sheldrake cautioned three players in the opening 20 minutes. And they were later joined by Stevenage right back Sam Wedgbury, for scything down Montano, and Simon Heslop.
There was a torrential downpour midway through the opening half.
Latics thought they had made the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Tarkowski had a goal ruled out.
Tarkowski beat keeper Chris Day to Baxter's free kick and headed home. Referee Sheldrake appeared to point to the centre spot for a restart only to change his mind moments later, presumably after the intervention of his assistant.
Stevenage took the lead in the 45th minute when former Latics' striker Oumare Tounkara headed against the upright from a Greg Tansey cross.
The ball was scrambled away only for Charles to blaze a close-range shot high into the roof of the net.
Half-time: Stevenage 1, Latics 0.