Brian Clough and Peter Taylor statue at Pride Park

Latics earned a deserved point with a 0-0 draw against play-off chasing Derby County at Pride Park.

The Rams dominated possession for long periods but it was Latics who had the better chances to win the game.

Latics might have gone into the interval two or three goals ahead after Will Grigg hit the post and had a one-on-one effort saved by Scott Carson and Michael Jacobs forced another good stop from the Derby keeper.

Derby continued to have most of the play in the second half but failed to create many clear cut opportunities.

Latics made one change to the game at Rotherham with Shaun MacDonald replacing Craig Davies.

Derby starting confidently, not surprising given their recent run of five straight home victories, but Latics were not phased and they might have gone ahead after only 11 minutes.

Jordi Gomez’s corner found Grigg at the far post who struck his shot against the post and although Jake Buxton tried to force home the rebound, Darren Bent cleared off the line.

Soon afterwards Stephen Warnock put in a great cross from the left hand side and Michael Jacobs header forced a full stretch save from former Latics keeper Carson.

Yanic Wildschut was a constant menace and on 24 minutes he worked the ball down the left hand side before crossing low for Grigg but Derby cleared just in time.

Latics best chance of the game fell to Grigg on 30 minutes.

The striker intercepted a cross-field pass from around the half way line and surged forward before coming up against Carson.

Grigg might’ve taken the ball further forward but his shot from the edge of the area forced another good save from the keeper.

Latics probably went into the interval thinking they would rue their missed chances.

However, they started the second half on the front foot when Gomez fired just over the crossbar.

Derby started to assert more pressure but Latics restricted their efforts on target, with Warnock, Buxton and Burn all outstanding in defence.

Jussi Jaaskelainen was called upon to deny Tom Ince’s 25 yard free kick.

But Derby went closest on 82 minutes when Ince found Will Hughes in the area but his low shot was inches wide of the post and Latics hung on for a deserved point.

This was certainly a much improved performance by Latics. But it is difficult to say whether seeds of recovery have been sown or was this just a blip in the downward trend. Let’s hope it’s the former and the improvement continues against Huddersfield tomorrow.