Disappointing Latics lose at home

CLOSE: Jacob Mellis (left) nearly levelled for Athletic in the second half.

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http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/90331/u-blew-it-latics

ATHLETIC 0 COLCHESTER 1

LIMP Athletic fell to a meek home defeat against lowly Colchester, as the curse of the relegation-threatened clubs struck again.

Lee Johnson's men have yet to beat any of the sides in the bottom-four of Sky Bet League One and thanks to Sammie Szmodics's early goal that run continued.

Jacob Mellis came close in an improved second-half showing, but this was a deeply disappointing afternoon – especially given the expectancy of a crowd boosted by a £5-entry offer.

Athletic made two changes to their starting line-up, with Danny Philliskirk and Rhys Murphy in for Carl Winchester and Conor Wilkinson.

Winchester was on the bench, having suffered a slight hamstring strain against Swindon, while Wilkinson is out injured for two weeks after pulling a hamstring in the early stages of that victory.

In front of an audience of 5,668 - most of whom handed over only £5 for the dubious privilege – Colchester took the lead after a bout of early pressure when Szmodics converted at the far post as the home side were caught napping.

The effect of this being a fifth game in 15 days seemed to catch up with Lee Johnson's side, who could not penetrate a packed defence and midfield with Rhys Murphy cutting a lonely figure as the main lone striker.

Colchester could have made it two when Tom Eastman's shot was blocked inside the six-yard box and despite the energy of Liam Kelly and Joseph Mills, disjointed Athletic ended a muted half with not one attempt at goal.

The home side started the second period on the front foot. Mike Jones volleyed wide of goal after a poor punch by Sam Walker and at the other end, Jake Kean had to save well first from Gavin Massey's low drive then Matthew Briggs' follow-up.

Mellis then very nearly levelled with a curling shot from just outside the box which Walker did well to get across to and tip wide.

Johnson rolled the dice with a triple substitution in the 57th minute with Dominic Poleon, Winchester and Rhys Turner all introduced.

Jonathan Forte failed to take advantage of a poor back-header which fell short, his attempt to poke round Walker denied by the shot-stopper's legs on the end of the area.

Liam Kelly's shot was too close to Walker and Poleon hit one a few yards wide while at the other end, Massey's long-range drive was well stopped by Kean.

Athletic captain Kelly thought he had equalised in added time with a close-range volley, only to be flagged for offside.