Latics held to draw

Photo: ALAN HOWARTH

CLEAN SHEET: Joel Coleman made crucial saves for Athletic.

Follow the link for the more pictures and Matthew's extended thoughts on the match

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/article/91389/pitch-battle

ATHLETIC 0 CHESTERFIELD 0

ATHLETIC played out a scoreless draw with Chesterfield, with a point representing a decisive step towards the end-of-season play-offs for the visitors.

Athletic pair Rhys Murphy and Connor Brown forced decent saves from Tommy Lee in the first half while at the other end, Joel Coleman saved very well from Ian Evatt and Sam Clucas, with the latter man also seeing his flick hit the base of a post after the interval.

Athletic manager Dean Holden made three changes to his starting line-up from Coventry. Adam Lockwood dropped to the bench and with no Rhys Turner (ill) or Dominic Poleon, in came Anthony Gerrard, Timothee Dieng and Murphy.

Brown controlled well 20 minutes in and his low shot from just outside the box was creeping into the corner but for Lee's extended right hand turning the ball aside.

Murphy, playing as a lone striker, twice went close to netting his first Athletic goal. His first effort was well blocked by Evatt and the follow-up, an acrobatic volley, was tipped out by Lee.

Chesterfield were limited to shots from distance, with Armand Gnanduillet, Clucas and Charlie Raglan all failing to really test Coleman.

Paul Cook's side enjoyed plenty of territory in the early stages of the second half and Brown had to be alert as Roberts threatened to break through down the right of the box.

With both sides packing out the midfield, there were precious few scoring opportunities at either end.

Evatt saw his effort beaten out by Coleman and shortly after that, Clucas's flick hit the post with the Athletic goalkeeper beaten. Gnanduillet fired the rebound wastefully over.

Coleman was again called into action in the late stages, superbly tipping over a Clucas drive.