Latics earn Oxford point

GOAL . . . Cameron Burgess

OXFORD 1, ATHLETIC 1

ATHLETIC were reduced to 10 men in the second half and had goalkeeping coach Carlo Nash sent to the stands, but held on for a point at Oxford.

Athletic took the lead in the 10th minute. Ollie Banks curled in a free-kick from deep and with goalkeeper Simon Eastwood drawn to a ball he didn't win, Cameron Burgess was on the spot to turn home into an unguarded net.

Kane Hemmings went close to levelling a minute later, lifting over the bar a Chris Maguire cross when well-placed, while the visitors might have doubled their lead when Banks controlled well inside the area but snatched at an effort he pulled well wide.

Oxford equalised when Rob Hall unleashed a terrific left-footed drive from 25 yards out that arrowed past a rooted-to-the spot Ripley in the 54th minute.

Four minutes later, Ousmane Fane was sent off for collecting a second booking and Ripley was worked by Marvin Johnson and Chey Dunkley as the hosts pressed.

Home boss Michael Appleton and Nash were sent to the stands as a disagreement between the pair boiled over in the technical areas.

Athletic held on picked up a point thanks to a gritty effort.