Oldham Athletic’s unbeaten streak stretched to six matches on Saturday, but their clash with Sutton United at Boundary Park ended in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate that left 5,738 fans wanting more.

The draw keeps Latics firmly in fourth place in the National League table, though manager Micky Mellon’s reshuffled squad struggled to break down a resolute Sutton defense. With first-choice keeper Matt Hudson sidelined by a finger injury, new signing Tom Donaghy stepped between the posts just a day after joining the club, while Tom Pett and Josh Lundstram earned starting spots after coming off the bench in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Altrincham.

Chances proved scarce throughout the afternoon, with the first genuine attempt arriving only after 18 minutes when Donaghy impressively turned away Will Davies’ 20-yard strike. Mike Fondop, Latics’ leading scorer, twice went close before the break - first firing wide from distance, then seeing a penalty appeal waved away by referee Andrew Miller.

The second half followed a similar pattern of Sutton’s stubborn resistance meeting Oldham’s increasing desperation. Donaghy denied Ryan Jackson early in the period, while substitute James Norwood spurned two good chances, heading over from Pett’s cross before dragging another effort wide. Despite late pressure that saw Fondop volley over and Joe Pritchard fire off-target, Sutton held firm to claim their point.

“We didn’t show enough quality and moments to create chances,” Mellon admitted afterward. “After I introduced Norwood and Pritchard, we looked a wee bit closer to what we are. You have to give them credit - they defended their box really well and clearly came determined they were going to leave with something.”

Latics return to Boundary Park on Tuesday hoping for better fortune against Maidenhead United.

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