Latics played out a goalless draw against Dagenham & Redbridge at Victoria Road.
The game was one of few chances, especially in the first half, and neither side were able to find a breakthrough.
The second half contained more action, but still lacked many clear-cut chances at either end, with the best opportunities coming from Ryan Hill’s numerous shots for the hosts.
Starting off, the opening plays of the game saw both sides get a feel for one another and the match with no chances of note produced in the first twenty minutes or so.
Dagenham would be the first to have a spell in charge though, with Hill proving a real handful for the Latics defence.
He nearly played an instrumental role in opening the scoring for the Daggers, taking the ball from his own half on the break, with his heavy pass being the difference between playing his strike partner through on goal and seeing it go to touch.
Latics had a counterattack of their own when Dan Gardner slipped through Andy Dallas. He looked to give it to Norwood, but he, like Hill, played it a touch heavy, ending the potentially promising attack.
The visotors changed their attacking options early in the second period with the introduction of Joe Garner, Hallam Hope and later Mike Fomdop.
As the second half progressed, it became obvious that if there were to be a goal, it would be the only one of the match.
It was different to the first as the two sides exchanged half-chances and brief spells of possession over the 45.
Hill, again was central to the Dagenham attacks, whilst substitutes Fondop and Hope tried to offer something different but chances were still difficult to come by.
Hill was responsible for the best chance of the match when his powerful shot ricocheted off the inside of the post, with the woodwork denying the hosts the lead by just a few inches.
Most of Latics’ chances came from the wings, with Mark Kitching and Dan Gardner overlapping on the left, putting balls in, whilst Hope worked tirelessly on the right to get into good crossing positions.
Oldham’s best opportunity of the game was one of the last kicks of the game.
Gardner’s corner was allowed to reach Fondop near the far post. The striker swung his foot at it, making good contact, but brave and resilient defending from Dagenham saw them block it near the line.
Oldham: Hudson, Kitching, Hogan, Hobson, Sheron, McGahey, Gardner, Walker (Hope, 61’), Dallas (Garner, 61’), Norwood, Conlon (Fondop, 69’).
Subs not used: Norman, Sutton.
Dagenaham: Justham, Eastham, Hessenthaler, Rees, Hill, Pereira, Page, Phipps, Ling, Appiah-Forson, Longe-King
Subs not used: Hare, Remy, Kedwell, Nkrumah, Lawless.
Attendance: 1,973 (480)
Referee: Oliver Mackey
