MacDonald goal joy against former club
Charlie MacDonald savoured the goal which gave Latics a 1-0 half-time lead in their Sky Bet League 1 home match against leaders Leyton Orient.
It was a moment to cherish for the 32-year-old striker who played for the O's last season.
It was a moment to cherish for the 32-year-old striker who played for the O's last season.
Latics had the first goal attempt of the game in the fourth minute as James Dayton forced a diving save from keeper Jamie Jones.
And not long after, Dayton fired wide again from well outside the penalty area.
Moses Odubajo had a couple of strikes, but both ended up high in the Chaddy End.
Latics suffered an injury blow losing right-back Matteo Lanzoni in the 13th minute with an injury to his left knee. He was replaced by Carl Winchester.
The setback didn't affect Latics who so nearly made a breakthrough twice in quick succession.
Jones was forced to turn over a 30-yard free kick from Joseph Mills as it dipped under the crossbar.
And from Mills' corner, MacDonald saw his far-post shot strike the upright from inside the six-yard box.
Latics had another glorious chance midway through the half when Mills brought another good save from Jones.
The keeper could only parry his shot and MacDonald, following up, looked set to score only to completely miss his kick with the goal at his mercy. He kicked the ground in disappointment and disbelief.
James Wesolowski then fired over a great cross from the right, but Danny Philliskirk could only direct his header straight at Jones.
Latics eventually made the breakthrough in the 35th minute when MacDonald broke clear on to a headed through ball from Korey Smith as Jones was finally beaten by a clinical piece of finishing.
Orient came close to equalising when Odubajo's angled shot was well saved by Mark Oxley.
And Latics managed to scramble away the resulting corner following an almighty goalmouth scramble.
Half-time: Latics 1, Leyton Orient 0.
And not long after, Dayton fired wide again from well outside the penalty area.
Moses Odubajo had a couple of strikes, but both ended up high in the Chaddy End.
Latics suffered an injury blow losing right-back Matteo Lanzoni in the 13th minute with an injury to his left knee. He was replaced by Carl Winchester.
The setback didn't affect Latics who so nearly made a breakthrough twice in quick succession.
Jones was forced to turn over a 30-yard free kick from Joseph Mills as it dipped under the crossbar.
And from Mills' corner, MacDonald saw his far-post shot strike the upright from inside the six-yard box.
Latics had another glorious chance midway through the half when Mills brought another good save from Jones.
The keeper could only parry his shot and MacDonald, following up, looked set to score only to completely miss his kick with the goal at his mercy. He kicked the ground in disappointment and disbelief.
James Wesolowski then fired over a great cross from the right, but Danny Philliskirk could only direct his header straight at Jones.
Latics eventually made the breakthrough in the 35th minute when MacDonald broke clear on to a headed through ball from Korey Smith as Jones was finally beaten by a clinical piece of finishing.
Orient came close to equalising when Odubajo's angled shot was well saved by Mark Oxley.
And Latics managed to scramble away the resulting corner following an almighty goalmouth scramble.
Half-time: Latics 1, Leyton Orient 0.