Missed chances prove costly for Latics

Latics boss Micky Mellon was left to rue a plethora of missed chances as Gillingham beat his team 1-0 in front of a crowd of 6,233 at a rainy Boundary Park.

The result, courtesy of veteran striker Sam Vokes' 71st minute strike, saw the visitors move to the top of the League 2 table and left Latics still seeking their first win back in the EFL after promotion from the National League at the end of last season.

“We only have ourselves to blame if we don’t take our chances,” said Mellon.

“It was a good performance and apart from 10 minutes before half time I thought we played very well.

"We had some really good chances to get that first goal, two good chances just after half time.

"I think that is the top and tail of it.

“If you do all things that are necessary and you get the opportunities you have to take them.”

A knee problem for striker Mike Fondop and stomach injury to Reagan Ogle forced two of three changes to the starting lineup from last week’s 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town, the other being Josh Hawkes dropping to the bench.

Will Sutton, Luke Hannant and Kian Harratt came into the side.

Both sides started the game strongly with some strong open football.

An Oldham effort on 17 minutes saw Hannant’s low shot deflected for a corner.

At the other end Gillingham came close just after the half hour - Josh Anderson heading wide from Hutton’s probing cross, but the score remained goalless at the break.

But, straight after the restart, Latics had two chances to take the lead.

A great move involving Hannant, Jamie Robson and Harratt ended with Kane Drummond heading against the crossbar.

Seconds later Joe Quigley came close when he fired from just inside the penalty area but his effort was just wide.

On the hour mark the ever-vigilant Quigley produced a save from keeper Morris following a Sutton cross.

Then, on 62 minutes, Quigley looked to have been fouled by McKenzie inside the box but penalty appeals were waived away.

Vokes came on as substitute for Gillingham midway through the half and within minutes he broke the deadlock.

The Gills were awarded a corner on the right.

Max Clarke put the ball into a crowded six-yard box and the striker’s header somehow found its way through the congestion to put the visitors ahead.

As Latics fought for an equaliser Hawkes, Oli Hammond and Jake Caprice came on, with Caprice getting a huge reception on his return from injury, playing in his first league game since last Easter.

Still Latics had chances to equalise.

Tom Conlon’s free kick was saved by Glenn Morris in the Gillingham goal; Hammond’s low shot went into the side netting and Quigley tested Morris with a header.

There was a final Latics penalty appeal in stoppage time for a foul on Quigley not given but, in the end, the away side stayed firm to take the three points.

Latics, who are unbeaten away, are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Cambridge.

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