• Latics extended their unbeaten run to six games after a 1-1 draw with Blackpool at the Brick Community Stadium.
• The hosts had the better of the first half and went ahead in bizarre fashion when Jon Mellish’s volleyed cross deceived goalkeeper Harry Tyrer after only three minutes.
• Asamoah Junior had a great chance to double the lead on 16 minutes but fired wide of the target from inside the box.
• The Seasiders had a chance to draw level from a breakaway but Sam Tickle made a miraculous save with his feet to deny Niall Ennis.
• The visitors were much better in the second half and created sustained pressure on the Latics goal.
• They drew level on 74 minutes when C.J Hamilton was upended by Owen Dale in the penalty area and Lee Evans converted the spot kick.
• Ennis fired into the side netting from close range and the Seasiders had another shout for a penalty when Ennis went down under a challenge but the referee waved away appeals.
• The points were shared but Latics had been outplayed in the second half and were a little lucky to maintain their unbeaten run. 
• Latics are now in 16th place and Blackpool in ninth in the League One table.

Latics Head Coach Ryan Lowe named an unchanged lineup for the fourth consecutive match. 

Latics went ahead after only three minutes as a ball over the top found Mellish who volleyed the ball towards goal from a tight angle which deceived goalkeeper Tyrer, who could not keep the ball out.

Blackpool quickly tried to respond as Jason Kerr cleared CJ Hamilton’s header off the line.

Latics should have doubled our lead on 16 minutes as Dale’s cross found Asamoah Junior free in the box, but he dragged his shot wide of the target 

Following a quick breakaway Ennis was played clean through, but Tickle produced a miraculous save to deny him with an outstretched leg.

Latics continued to threaten though and  Asamoah Junior cut inside and curled an effort just wide of the far post.

The Seasiders started the second half strongly and enjoyed plenty of possession. 

They drew level from the penalty spot after Dale had brought down Hamilton and former Latic Evans converted. 

Ennis fired into the side netting from a good position soon afterwards.

Latics introduced Jonny Smith and Callum McManaman, with McManaman a little lucky to only pick up a booking for a reckless challenge.

Albie Morgan then tried his luck with a long-range effort which Tickle did well to beat away.

Latics were hanging on now and unable to get out of defence. 

Ennis went down under a challenge in the box, but the referee Matthew Russell waved away appeals before Morgan fired another strike at Tickle, and Latics held on for a point.

Overview 

Latics maintained their unbeaten run but this was a far from convincing performance.

Despite some good play in the first half Latics had been outplayed in the second half by Steve Bruce’s team. 

The points were shared but Latics performance will have given Head Coach Lowe plenty of food for thought regarding his retained list for next season.

As for most of the season Latics lacked any real cutting edge against Blackpool despite the best efforts of Taylor and Asamoah. 

Latics have done well since Lowe took over but it’s evident that some players won’t be at the club next season if the club wants to challenge for promotion.

Forward areas will be a priority for Lowe but reinforcements will also required in midfield and defence.

Apart from Dale Taylor very few of the loan players have been consistent performers this season and this is something they will need to get right next season.

After the mini revival Latics will now hope to end the season unbeaten at Burton on Tuesday and Northampton on Saturday.

Post match comments 

Speaking post-game to the media, Lowe would’ve loved to have signed off at home with a victory but felt the scoreline was a fair result on the balance of play.

“I thought it was a game of two halves,” he said. 

“I felt like it was two points dropped from the first-half performance – I thought we were well worthy of scoring another goal. 

“We always knew with Steve Bruce’s teams that they’ll come out fighting in the second half. We knew it was going to be difficult – it’s a good point and all a learning curve still. 

“I said to them we want to go unbeaten but win games, especially at home. It wasn’t for the lack of trying today, as I always say when they are trying to win.

“I thought it was a missed opportunity in the first half to go two goals up and to be undone by a penalty was harsh. 

“There’s no complaints from me. It was an even game – we’d have liked to take an extra two points but it wasn’t to be. 

“I can’t fault the players – they’ve been excellent. I’m pleased and proud of what they’ve given the Football Club since I’ve come through the door.

“We’re unbeaten in six. We’ve been solid and resolute, though I’m always asking for a little bit more. They’ve given us everything they can, and I’ve got to take into account that they’re 44 games in. 

“We’ve got two good games left where we think we can go and get good points, and if we can do that and try and finish as high as we can, it’ll be great.

“(The lap of appreciation) was excellent – I watched it in the director’s box and they deserve that credit from the fans.

“The fans deserve credit for staying behind and giving them the round of applause they deserve. 

“They’re wearing the badge on the chest with pride, and I make sure they do that. It would’ve been nicer with three points but we know where we are, and we’ll keep learning over the next week. 

“Hopefully we can sign off the season with a couple of wins.”

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