Latics' play-off hopes slipping away

Latics were beaten 3-1 at home by AFC Fylde

Ten-man Latics were beaten 3-1 at home by AFC Fylde and their National League play-off hopes appear to be slipping away.

This latest disappointment for Micky Mellon's men leaves them four points shy of Aldershot in the final play-off spot, with just five games left to play.

Nick Haughton scored one and created another as AFC Fylde triumphed.

Haughton looked dangerous from the very start as he hit a shot against the crossbar in the sixth minute.

He then put the visitors ahead moments later when he turned in Connor Barrett's cross.

It was 2-0 after 17 minutes when Adam King got his first Fylde goal, turning in a loose ball after a corner.

Haughton then volleyed narrowly wide moments later after creating space for himself.

Ethan Mitchell headed in a third from Haughton's cross in the 32nd minute, before Latics got one back through Dan Gardner just before the break.

But any hopes of a second-half comeback were dashed by a 60th-minute red card for half-time sub Mike Fondop.

Latics boss Mellon said: "We didn't defend well enough, we gave away too many cheap goals and we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

"And then when you create that environment by the way you give goals away and you find yourself in a really difficult place, it's always going to be tough."

Latics return to action on Easter Monday when they travel to local rivals Altrincham.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.