Derby disappointment for Latics
Latics will be dismayed for a considerable time about how they came to suffer a 2-1 derby defeat at Preston North End in Sky Bet League 1.
It was a match Latics dominated for most of the night only to concede two poor goals which came against the run of play as Preston recorded their first home league victory of the season.
Stuart Beavon deflected Joel Byrom's free kick past keeper Mark Oxley for the opener and then Kevin Davies added a second from the spot after a penalty was needlessly conceded.
Though James Tarkowski (pictured) pulled a goal back late on for Latics it could not prevent them slipping to defeat.
It was a match Latics dominated for most of the night only to concede two poor goals which came against the run of play as Preston recorded their first home league victory of the season.
Stuart Beavon deflected Joel Byrom's free kick past keeper Mark Oxley for the opener and then Kevin Davies added a second from the spot after a penalty was needlessly conceded.
Though James Tarkowski (pictured) pulled a goal back late on for Latics it could not prevent them slipping to defeat.
Latics, 2-0 down at the break, had a chance to halve the deficit soon after the restart when left-back Joseph Mills, overlapping again, brought a fine diving save from keeper Declan Rudd.
Preston had two chances in quick succession to add a third goal as Scott Laird and Davies both shot narrowly wide.
Latics made a double substitution midway through the half when Sidney Schmeltz and Adam Rooney made way for Cristian Montano and Charlie MacDonald.
Beavon made a powerful burst forward only to shoot disappointingly wide.
Latics' third and final chance with 15 minutes left saw James Wesolowski replaced by Jonson Clarke-Harris as they brought on an extra striker.
Rudd was called into action again to turn a fine free kick from Mills over the crossbar.
After a frustrating night, Latics finally found the net in the 83rd minute when Tarkowski glanced home a header from Danny Philliskirk's corner.
Preston had two chances in quick succession to add a third goal as Scott Laird and Davies both shot narrowly wide.
Latics made a double substitution midway through the half when Sidney Schmeltz and Adam Rooney made way for Cristian Montano and Charlie MacDonald.
Beavon made a powerful burst forward only to shoot disappointingly wide.
Latics' third and final chance with 15 minutes left saw James Wesolowski replaced by Jonson Clarke-Harris as they brought on an extra striker.
Rudd was called into action again to turn a fine free kick from Mills over the crossbar.
After a frustrating night, Latics finally found the net in the 83rd minute when Tarkowski glanced home a header from Danny Philliskirk's corner.
Suddenly Latics sensed a way back into the match as Preston's nerves became frayed.
And in stoppage time Tarkowski came close to snatching a point when his header flashed just wide from a Mills cross.
Full-time: Preston North End 2, Latics 1.
And in stoppage time Tarkowski came close to snatching a point when his header flashed just wide from a Mills cross.
Full-time: Preston North End 2, Latics 1.