The Latics came a cropper once again in a well balanced game at Southend. They should have taken the lead through Chris Killen (pictured) after only five minutes but his finish was inadequate and the home keeper saved easily. Lawson gave the Shrimpers the lead in the 10th. minute when he easily headed in and it could have been two when Goater hit the post after half an hour. Minutes later Paul Warne hit a low shot which bobbled it way goalwards but the keeper saved easily. Just before half time Andy Liddell was unlucky when his shot hit the wood work but Southend increased the lead just a minute before the break with another header from Gower.Southend had been in confident mood but the Latics started the second half with a more positive attitude although the second half was becoming a midfield battle for supremacy. Ronnie Moore introduced Chris Porter and David Eyres in the 62nd. minute to replaced Edwards and Warne and the move proved positive as the Latics pulled a goal back almost immediately through a Richie Wellens goal, his first for the club. 15 minutes from time Killen shot over from 10 yards out when he really should have done better.
With two successive defeats and only one point from the last nine it's back to the drawing board for Moore and Company. The saving grace is that the Latics are still only four points off top spot and a win over Yorkshire rivals Hudderfield in the next game could put them right back in it again.