Shea saves the day as Latics go so close...
NEAL ARDLEY was left relieved but satisfied after a close shave at Oldham.
Charles Dunne’s header was turned onto the crossbar by Dons goalkeeper James Shea and Freddie Ladapo’s follow-up also hit the bar, with the striker claiming the ball crossed the line as it bounced down.
Lyle Taylor and Dean Parrett went close for Wimbledon, who have still yet to lose away from home since the opening day of the season.
“Oldham had done their homework on us and stopped us doing what we are good at, but a draw was about right,” Ardley said.
“We would have been devastated if the chance had gone in at the end instead of hitting the bar, but it was a wonderful save from James Shea.
“They were pressing towards the end and wanted to win. They are in a bit of form now and Steve (Robinson) will be happy with where they are going.
“Our away form has been decent this season and the games we’ve lost at home have been against the top sides like Bolton, Bradford, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe. We are happily punching above our weight.”
Oldham’s Billy Mckay forced a sharp save from Shea with a near-post volley and Ardley’s side went close when Reeves was sent through by Taylor, only for Connor Ripley to block bravely at his feet.
Lee Erwin’s header was well stopped by Shea and after the break, Taylor’s goalbound shot was blocked by the body of Oldham skipper Peter Clarke.
Parrett’s excellent 25-yard free-kick on the hour took a lick of paint off a post but Oldham pressed hard towards the end. After Ollie Banks and Lee Croft had forced Shea into saves, Dunne and Ladapo were a whisker away from turning one point into three in the 89th minute, with Clarke nodding wide from close range in the same incident.
“In the first half we cancelled each other out a bit and they are a strong team,” said Oldham boss Robinson. “They are well-organised and disciplined.
“We changed the system a bit in the second half and the subs made an impact. We deserved the three points towards the end as we finished the stronger team.
“It is frustrating we didn’t get the win. We should have scored, as we had three opportunities from that one corner.
“I can’t ask for much more from the players. They gave everything and worked their socks off.”