Goalkeeper Johny Placide was the hero as he saved a first half penalty from Joe Rafferty to secure a point on the road against local rivals Rochdale.
Anthony Gerrard was adjudged to have fouled Joe Thompson in the penalty area in the first half but Rafferty’s effort from 12 yards was well saved by Placide.
Latics did have chances of their own but they mainly fell at the end of the game. Ousmane Fane fired wide inside the penalty area whilst in the final minute of additional time, Eoin Doyle fired over inside the penalty box to ensure the points were shared.
Manager Richie Wellens handed Tom Hamer his first league start as he replaced Wilfried Moimbe who missed the game through suspension.
Latics started the half the stronger of the two sides and enjoyed the early possession.
However, they did not really create a clear cut effort with striker Doyle lurking in and around the box.
Rochdale had the first real opportunity of the game as Brad Inman volleyed from 25 yards but it went over Placide’s crossbar.
Dale started to build momentum as George Edmundson enjoyed a physical tussle with Calvin Andrew, a number of times the defender came out on top.
Midway through the half, Latics were forced into deep defending as Matty Done managed to wriggle away from Gerrard and find Ollie Rathbone but his effort from six yards was hit into the ground.
Latics won a couple of corners but were met by a stubborn Rochdale defence who refused to be beaten.
Just after the half hour mark, Rochdale were awarded a penalty as Gerrard fouled Thompson in the penalty area.
After a lengthy delay, Rafferty stepped up for Rochdale but Placide guessed the right way and tipped his penalty wide of the post.
The home side were on top and midfielder Fane went into the book minutes later for a late challenge on Rafferty.
Latics came under increased pressure in the closing stages of the half as they struggled to get hold of the ball but it remained goalless at the break.
Athletic needed a response after the break but it was Rochdale again who had the early second half chances.
Thompson could not guide a cut back on target whilst minutes later, Done had a header at the back post which went wide.
Rob Hunt and Thompson went into the book minutes later, as well as Edmundson who conceded a free kick on the half way line.
From the resulting set piece, Rochdale worked the ball to the edge of the box for Callum Camps the strike but it flew wide of Placide’s post.
Wellens made changes and brought on Patrick McEleney and Aaron Holloway and it was McEleney who almost forced the opening goal of the game on 68 minutes.
Doyle flicked the ball into the path of the Irishman who skipped inside the penalty box and shot but it landed over the crossbar.
Minutes later, Rochdale thought they had taken the lead as Andrew bundled the ball into the back of the net but the referee blew his whistle for a foul as Placide was fouled.
Clear cut chances were at a minimum with Latics forced to shoot from long range as Gardner saw an effort fly wide from 30 yards.
The midfielder was fortunate to stay on the field as, already on a booking, he barged into Rathbone who raced from midfield but the referee kept his cards in his pocket.
It was an end to end finish to the game Inman fired over inside the penalty area a minute before the end but Latics had the better chances in the four minutes of additional time.
Doyle almost glanced a header into the path of McEleney six yards out from goal, whilst a minute later, Fane’s surging run and shot went off target.
In the final minute of additional time, Placide’s long ball found the head of Holloway who nodded into the path of Doyle but he fired over as the points were shared.
Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty (Wiseman 87’), McNulty, McGahey, Andrew, Camps, Rathbone, Thompson (Humphrys 69’), Done, Inman, Delaney.
Subs not used: Ntlhe, Moore, Adshead, Kitching, Gillam.
Oldham Athletic: Placide, Hunt, Gerrard, Edmundson, Hamer, Fane, Gardner, Pringle (McEleney 59’), Byrne (Holloway 66’), Nazon (Obadeyi 77’), Doyle.
Subs not used: De La Paz, Nepomuceno, Benyu, Benteke.
Goals: Rochdale 0-0 Oldham Athletic
Attendance: 6,261 (2,827 visiting supporters)