Latics lose to disputed goal
Latics reserves lost 2-1 at Port Vale to a controversial goal in their Central League match.They were not alone in being convinced Ben Williamson had committed a foul, but referee Mike Jones waved play on as the striker burst through on goal before smashing home the match-winning goal.
It was harsh on Latics, who had five trainees in their line-up, as they more than matched a far more experienced line up which included David Beckham's former LA Galaxy team-mate Chris Birchall and ex-Manchester City player Chris Shuker.
Latics grew into the game after a slow start taking the lead on the half hour when wingers Kirk Millar and Connor Hughes combined to set up Daniel Taylor who found the net with a close range tap-in after keeper Sam Johnson failed to gather Hughes' low cross.
They might have finished the half further ahead as Millar forced a fine save from Johnson while Taylor skied another effort over the bar from six yards.
Latics received a let off midway through the second half when keeper Alex Cisak fumbled a shot from left-back Tom Morris only succeeding in deflecting it on to the upright.
Cisak made amends from Adam Yates' follow up with a superb save to turn over his shot.
Latics were weaker in the second period as Connor Brown, Daniel Taylor and Jack Poxon were replaced with by trainees leaving seven scholars on the pitch for the last half hour.
Vale equalised in the 74th minute through a spectacular free kick from Sam Morsy after he had been fouled by James Tarkowski.
And barely one minute later came Williamson's controversial winner.
Late on midfield man Danny Gosset, who had an excellent game, saw a shot fly just wide of the upright while Carlton McIntosh forced a decent save from keeper Johnson as Latics battled to conjure an equalising goal.
Latics: Cisak, Brown (Edwards 46), Clarke, Tarkowski, Jones, Sutherland, Gosset, Poxon (Wandless 63), Hughes, Taylor (McIntosh 63), Millar. Sub (not used): Jacob.