CHARLTON ATHLETIC 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
A late equaliser from Peter Clarke earned Oldham Athletic a valuable point at Charlton Athletic.
Clarke’s goal cancelled out a strike from Josh Magennis, ironically a transfer target for Latics in the summer, after they had trailed for more than one hour.
However, despite a much-improved display, Latics remain in the relegation places in Sky Bet League One as it remains a challenging first season for manager Stephen Robinson.
After hinting at changes in the wake of Saturday’s home defeat to Swindon Town, Robinson made sweeping ones with six fresh faces drafted into the starting line up.
Cameron Dummigan, signed on a permanent deal from Burnley after a successful loan last season, made his debut.
There were also recalls for fit-again left-back Jamie Reckford, Ryan McLaughlin, Ousmane Fane, Ryan Flynn and Billy Mckay.
Latics made a bright start in which Freddie Ladapo, the Crystal Palace loanee headed narrowly over and Ryan Flynn just failed to latch on to a through ball from Ladapo.
Charlton striker Magennis had the first shot of the game which goalkeeper Connor Ripley saved well, but Latics were on top and McKay forced a good save from Declan Rudd.
However, Latics were hit by a sucker punch as Charlton took the lead midway through the first half.
Ricky Holmes advanced onto the edge of the area and released Magennis who was forced wide, however the striker managed to find a gap past Ripley and he gave the Addicks the lead.
Despite falling behind, Latics still took the game to their opponents and should have been level on the half hour mark.
A superb move started by Flynn saw him find Paul Green whose low cross found Ladapo in the centre six yards out but Rudd.
Ryan McLaughlin fired over from 30 yards with five minutes of the first half left and then Latics had a penalty appeal rejected after Ladapo tumbled in the box.
After the restart, good work by Dummigan on the right found Ladapo in space in the penalty area but the striker dragged his shot wide.
The home side went close soon after through Magennis as he fired over from close range before both side made changes.
Charlton introduced Kevin Foley and Ademola Lookman while Robinson brought on Lee Erwin in place of Ladapo.
The striker almost made an instant impact and could have equalised within two minutes. Green’s corner into the box was aimed towards the forward who could not connect properly with his header.
Erwin again had a chance as Mckay played the ball into his path but he could not finish from close range as Latics continued to press for the equaliser.
With Latics continuing to drive forward, they were eventually rewarded with an equaliser after 83 minutes from central-defender Clarke.
The captain met a Green free kick and glanced home a header.
Latics had a let off one minute later as Lookman was allowed space 25 yards from goal but his fierce drive struck the crossbar.
In the latter stages, Latics looked likeliest to conjure a winner as Erwin had an effort blocked and substitute Darius Osei also had a half chance as the game ended in stalemate.
Oldham Athletic: Ripley, Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord, Flynn, Fane, Green, McLaughlin (Osei 72), Mckay, Ladapo (Erwin 63). Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Klok, Banks, Dunne.
Goals: Magennis 22 for Charlton, Clarke 83 for Latics.
Attendance: 8,745 (185 visiting supporters)