Latics' losing league run continues
Latics' early promise faded as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Walsall where their losing run in npower League One continued.
New loan signing Lee Barnard gave Latics an early lead.
Walsall drew level through James Baxendale before two second-half goals from Jamie Paterson left them leaving the Banks's Stadium empty handed.
New loan signing Lee Barnard gave Latics an early lead.
Walsall drew level through James Baxendale before two second-half goals from Jamie Paterson left them leaving the Banks's Stadium empty handed.
Latics, who resumed with the score 1-1, were lucky not to fall behind little over one minute after the restart.
Paterson's slide-rule pass released Will Grigg who was clean through only to be denied by a super save from Dean Bouzanis.
Latics' keeper (pictured) was called into action again to keep out an angled shot from Will Grigg.
Jordan Obita became Latics' third debutant of the afternoon when he replaced Carl Winchester after an hour.
Latics didn't create their first clear-cut chance until midway through the half when Jose Baxter shot over.
That was quickly followed by Walsall failing to clear a corner as Jonathan Grounds shot just over.
Latics fell behind the 74th minute when Paterson made a weaving run down the centre of the field before smashing a shot low to the right of Bouzanis from outside the box.
And moments later Paterson cut in from the left only to see Bouzanis beat out his angled shot.
Latics made a second change with 12 minutes left when Lee Croft was replaced by Chris Sutherland.
And that was followed by right-back Connor Brown being sacrificed for striker Daniel Taylor as Latics went 3-4-3 in pursuit of an equaliser.
Baxter made a dangerous run before shooting not far wide as Latics pressed forward.
Walsall could have extended their lead in stoppage time when Chambers put Patterson clean through only to be denied by Bouzanis's brilliant block. Sam Mantom's follow-up shot was headed off the line by Cliff Byrne.
The Saddlers made it 3-1 in the fourth and final minute of added time when Chambers released Patterson who made no mistake this time shooting low past Bouzanis.
Full-time: Walsall 3, Latics 1.
Paterson's slide-rule pass released Will Grigg who was clean through only to be denied by a super save from Dean Bouzanis.
Latics' keeper (pictured) was called into action again to keep out an angled shot from Will Grigg.
Jordan Obita became Latics' third debutant of the afternoon when he replaced Carl Winchester after an hour.
Latics didn't create their first clear-cut chance until midway through the half when Jose Baxter shot over.
That was quickly followed by Walsall failing to clear a corner as Jonathan Grounds shot just over.
Latics fell behind the 74th minute when Paterson made a weaving run down the centre of the field before smashing a shot low to the right of Bouzanis from outside the box.
And moments later Paterson cut in from the left only to see Bouzanis beat out his angled shot.
Latics made a second change with 12 minutes left when Lee Croft was replaced by Chris Sutherland.
And that was followed by right-back Connor Brown being sacrificed for striker Daniel Taylor as Latics went 3-4-3 in pursuit of an equaliser.
Baxter made a dangerous run before shooting not far wide as Latics pressed forward.
Walsall could have extended their lead in stoppage time when Chambers put Patterson clean through only to be denied by Bouzanis's brilliant block. Sam Mantom's follow-up shot was headed off the line by Cliff Byrne.
The Saddlers made it 3-1 in the fourth and final minute of added time when Chambers released Patterson who made no mistake this time shooting low past Bouzanis.
Full-time: Walsall 3, Latics 1.