OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, SHREWSBURY TOWN 1.
Oldham Athletic remain unbeaten in Sky Bet League One following their home draw against newly-promoted Shrewsbury Town.
But it was viewed as a case of two points lost after they surrendered the lead at SportsDirect.com Park as Liam Kelly’s opener was wiped out by James Collins’ leveller.
Still, it was another encouraging display from Latics as they have collected five points from their first three league games.
Latics had to rejig their defence after left-back Joseph Mills was injured in the warm up. Timothee Dieng came in at right back with Connor Brown switching to the left.
The other change saw David Dunn handed his full debut as he replaced injured striker Jake Cassidy.
Jonathan Forte switched to leading the line with Dunn operating just behind him in the No 10 role.
Shrewsbury made the brighter start and had two early chance to take the lead.
Latics gradually grew into the game with Dunn dictating play and setting up a chance for Forte.
Forte had a great chance to break the deadlock after 15 minutes, but his shot crashed against the crossbar.
Latics had plenty of possession without creating clear-cut chances their approach play deserved.
Forte remained Latics’ dangerman and five minutes before the break he was put clear by Danny Philliskirk only for Jermaine Grandison to get back to made a brilliant block.
Dieng also had a chance as the opening half remained goalless.
The start to the second half followed a similar pattern as Dunn set up Mike Jones whose effort was superbly turned over the crossbar by keeper Jayson Leutwiler.
Latics were finally rewarded for their efforts when they won a 51st minute penalty after Dunn was brought down by Abu Ogogo and Kelly scored from the spot.
Shrewsbury made a double change when Jordan Clark and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro were introduced and the pair helped tilt the game back in their favour.
They might have been awarded a penalty when Akpa Akpro looked to be upended, but Latics survived the scare.
Shrews were eventually rewarded with 20 minutes left when Collins nicked the ball off central defender Jonathan Burn and rounded keeper Joel Coleman to score.
The visitors grew in confidence and might have snatched victory when Ellis’ header was blocked on the line by Jones while Ryan Woods’ follow-up effort was well saved by Coleman.
And as both sides looked to find a winner, Collins curled a shot over for Shrews while Kelly fired over from 10 yards as the game ended in stalemate.