SCUNTHORPE UNITED 1, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0.
Oldham Athletic manager Stephen Robinson was left perplexed by his side’s slender defeat at Sky Bet League One leaders Scunthorpe United.
It was the lack of a cutting edge that again proved to be Latics’ undoing as they were unable to convert the chances they created.
“We could have been three or four up by half time and had the game won,” reflected Robinson whose side’s inability to find the net is why it is is the relegation places.
And a late goal from Scott Wiseman condemned Latics to what was described as the cruellest of defeats as the team deserved reward for its efforts.
The goal came after Latics were reduced to 10 men midway through the second period when Paul Green was booked after picking up two yellow cards.
Robinson made two changes from the side held to a home goalless draw against AFC Wimbledon as Green returned after injury to partner Ollie Banks in midfield while Freddie Ladapo was also recalled. Ousmane Fane and Lee Erwin were the players to lose out.
Latics started brightly and Ryan Flynn had an early chance saved by Luke Daniels who also denied Banks.
Opposite number Connor Ripley was called into action deny Iron top scorer Josh Morris.
Latics had a glorious chance to take the lead after half an hour when Billy Mckay fired wide from 10 yards having initially set up Ryan McLaughlin.
Five minutes later, Flynn was released in the penalty by Mckay but Daniels again made a great save to deny the midfielder.
Latics finished the half strongly wondering how they had failed to establish a half-time lead.
Flynn forced a smart save from Daniels, while from the resulting corner, Latics could not force the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble.
Charles Dunne, Cameron Burgess and Banks also had goal attempts, the latter well kept out by Daniels, but the Iron held out.
Early in the second half, Iron thought they had twice taken the lead.
Firstly Kevin van Veen’s shot was deflected by Dunne on to his own crossbar as he tried to clear the danger.
One minute later, Tom Hopper headed home a free kick but the referee’s assistant had his flag raised for offside.
Ripley made two stunning saves to stop the league leaders from taking the lead minutes later.
Hopper rose to meet a cross into the box but the keeper clawed the ball from behind him and away from danger. Morris then danced his way into the penalty area, fired against the crossbar and from the rebound, Ripley saved van Veen’s shot.
Green was booked after 58 minutes for a foul on Hopper and seven minutes later, the midfielder was dismissed for a challenge that the referee deemed worthy of another yellow card.
Down to 10-men, Latics defended resolutely and were a threat on the counter attack.
Robinson brought on Ousmane Fane and Lee Croft and they made a difference in the middle of the park.
While Stephen Dawson went close for the Iron, Latics were solid at the back and it was going to take a wonder strike to beat them.
That came after 80 minutes as Wiseman smashed in a volley from 25 yards after the ball was played to him from a corner.
It was heartbreak for Latics who refused to concede defeat and almost conjured an equaliser after 90 minutes.
The ball was rolled back to Banks to strike from 25 yards, but Daniels tipped the ball over the crossbar.
It was a cruel ending for Latics after they dominated the league leaders for much of the match, but it was Scunthorpe who came away with the win.
Oldham Athletic (4-4-2): Ripley, Dummigan (Erwin 85), Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; McLaughlin (Croft 72), Green, Banks, Flynn; Mckay (Fane 67), Ladapo. Subs (not used): Kettings, Law, Wilson, Winchester.
Goal: Wiseman 80 for Scunthorpe.
Attendance: 4,323