The Latics scored a last minute equalising goal to share the spoils at undefeated Sheffield United. The goal came when substitute Matt Smith slid in to steer the ball past the Blade's young keeper who was making his debut. The result leaves the Latics unbeaten in three games as they start to claw their way up the league table. Athletic had had an earlier effort ruled out for offside but Sheffield had taken the lead early in the second half after a needless manhandling by M'Voto resulted in a penalty. Former Latics’ loanee Nick Blackman made no mistake from the spot.
The Latics boss Paul Dickov said after the match, "I thought at the time we should have had a goal and have since been told by people who have seen it that it that it ought to have been given. Yet again we are talking about a goal which has been chalked out for offside. It is getting to the point when it is not good enough. You need referees to be strong when you come to places like this, but we didn’t get that today."
"The draw was nothing less than we deserved and my first thoughts after the game is that we deserved to win. We had more chances and looked a threat every time we went forward and defensively I cannot remember Dean Bouzanis having to make a save. It is alright me coming out after the game, as I have done befoe, saying we deserved something from the game. There is one thing saying it, but another going out and getting it. The spirit, attitude and desire the boys showed in coming to a place like this, falling behind and coming back to get a point shows fantastic character. I am proud because they dug in and deserved the result."