COVENTRY CITY 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
A controversial stoppage time goal from Reda Johnson denied Oldham Athletic a seventh away victory of the season as they were held at relegation-threatened Coventry City in Sky Bet League One.
It was cruel for Latics who had led for 78 minutes through an early goal for Latics who had looking like being the matchwinner until the death.
And to pile on the misery some Latics’ fans didn’t even make it to the game as they were held up by a road closure on the M6.
Caretaker manager Dean Holden again started without any loan players as Jake Kean, Jacob Mellis and Conor Wilkinson were all in reserve on the bench.
The game kicked off on time, even though supporters from both clubs were delayed on the M6.
Coventry made the brighter start and were denied a seventh-minute goal as keeper Joel Coleman did well to keep out a header from Nick Proschwitz who, along with Frank Nouble, were causing Latics’ defence problems, though centre-backs Adam Lockwood and James Wilson were solid.
It was Latics who made a 13th minute breakthrough when, from a free kick, Mike Jones released Carl Winchester whose cross was converted by Danny Philliskirk who scored his first goal since November.
Coventry began to assert pressure, but Coleman was unbeatable turning behind a 25-yard shot from Adam Barton and then keep out a goal attempt from Grant Ward.
Latics almost doubled their lead through an unlikely source when James Wilson tried an audacious volley from 40-yards which dipped just over the crossbar.
Coventry came out for the second period with all guns blazing in pursuit of an equaliser without creating any meaningful chances, though Coleman had to be alert to deny Proschwitz.
Simeon Jackson had the best chance of the game for Coventry after 72 minutes, but the substitute shot wide when he ought to have found the net.
With 10 minutes left James Maddison, another Sky Blues’ substitute, weaved a route to goal, but Coleman managed to divert his shot round the post for a corner.
It looked as though Latics would hold out until the first of six minutes of added time when Coventry controversially equalised.
Connor Brown looked to be fouled by Nouble, but the referee waved play on and the Coventry striker crossed for Johnson to head home.