Points Shared At SportsDirect.com Park
Oldham Athletic had to settle for a share of the points, drawing 0-0 with Gillingham.The home side threw everything forward in a bid to grab a winning goal but Latics had to settle for the point, taking Paul Rachubka's clean sheet record to four consecutive games.
Latics dominated the early proceedings of the game with striker Dominic Poleon a constant threat.
The 21-year-old was causing the Gills defence a lot of problems and on the tenth minute, the striker found space but unfortunately could only shoot into the side netting when presented with an opportunity.
Only minutes later, Carl Winchester, who returned from international duty midweek, produced a sublime bit of skill in the middle of the park to the rapturous applause of the supporting.
Latics were creating plenty of chances with James Wilson, Liam Kelly and James Dayton all going close but their respective shots failed to hit the target.
On the half hour mark, Dayton maybe should have done better after finding himself in a clear-cut goal scoring position but the winger volleyed his effort just wide of the post.
The visitors were struggling to find a way into the game with Latics' defence proving a tough nut to crack.
Gillingham had their first opportunity of the game on 45 minutes but Jake Hessenthaler's shot was not troubling Rachubka in Latics' goal.
Latics started the second half in positive fashion and were unfortunate not to take the lead a minute after the break.
Winchester received the ball at the back post but Stephen Bywater was equal to his effort.
The home side kept up the pressure and on 53 minutes, Philliskirk turned on the edge of the box and fired a low shot which Bywater was equal to.
The ascendancy was with Oldham Athletic and the supporters responded, lifting the atmosphere inside SportsDirect.com Park.
Latics made a double substitution on the hour mark with Poleon and Philliskirk being replaced by Rhys Turner and Conor Wilkinson, who was making his debut for the home side.
Momentum was with Oldham Athletic but as the game became stretched, Gillingham started to come back into it.
Brennan Dickenson was denied by Rachubka and five minutes later, he pulled off a superb save to deny Cody McDonald at the back post.
Both Latics substitutes were having an influence on proceedings. First of all, Wilkinson turned and shot on the volley at goal which just went over the bar and Turner danced his way past the defence but his effort trickled past the post.
As time started to run out, Latics threw everything forward in a bid to get something out of the game.
Substitute Amari Morgan-Smith had a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time to score for Latics but he fired over from six yards as the home side had to settle for a point.
Oldham Athletic: Rachubka, B.Wilson, J.Wilson, Elokobi, Mills, Jones, Kelly, Winchester, Dayton (Morgan-Smith 82'), Philliskirk (Wilkinson 63'), Poleon (Turner 63').
Subs not used: Coleman, Wilkinson, Tidser, Kusunga, Brown.
Gillingham: Bywater, Martin, Egan, Hause, Hessenthaler, McDonald (German 88'), McGlashan, Morris (Pritchard 65'), Davies, Dack (Norris 65'), Dickenson.
Subs not used: Fish, Legge, Morris, Lingazi.
Goals: Oldham Athletic 0-0 Gillingham
Attendance:3,785(154 visiting supporters)