Oldham and Barnet managers disappointed with only one point apiece

Oldham boss Micky Mellon and Barnet counterpart Dean Brennan both felt they should have been celebrating a win after they had to settle for a 1-1 League Two draw at Boundary Park.

In a tale of two penalties, the two promoted teams met on Saturday afternoon, with Barnet taking an early lead through former Latics midfielder Mark Shelton’s spot-kick.

But that opener was cancelled out 20 minutes from time as Michael Mellon – son of manager Micky – showed great composure to equalise from 12 yards.

“In the first half we were dominant and we should have been two or three up at half-time,” said Barnet head coach Brennan.

“They made substitutions that gave them an advantage and in the end we had to thank Slicks (goalkeeper Cieran Slicker) for the saves that he made.

“But I think at the end we showed a good response as well in the last 10 minutes.

“I was happy with the character, happy with the team performance, the grit we showed.

“We wanted to step it up again like we did against Grimsby in the second half the other week but we didn’t.

“Could we have been better in possession? Yes. Could we have had more quality at the top end? Yes, definitely – and I think that’s cost us the three points today.

“But I’m happy with the performance and I respect the point.”

Shelton scored against his old club in the fifth minute, following a handball by Mike Fondop.

Oldham were awarded a 71st minute penalty for a foul on Donervon Daniels, with Mellon junior equalising.

He was denied a hat-trick as goalkeeper Cieran Slicker saved twice from the Latics manager’s son, while substitute Kane Drummond was also thwarted by the Barnet stopper in similar circumstances.

The game could have gone either way at the death, as Oldham captain Tom Conlon cleared off his own line in a goalmouth scramble.

There were similar mixed emotions for Oldham boss Mellon.

“We’re disappointed we haven’t won and I’m pleased with that,” said the Scot. “The dressing room was quiet because they want to win and they know they should have won in the second half.

“We weren’t at our best in the first half, but in the second half, I don’t think there’s anyone in the stadium that could say Oldham shouldn’t win.

“You can’t have three one-on-ones with a goalkeeper and not expect to slot at least one or two of them.

“Both sets of players attacked the game and tried to win it but in the second half we should come out with the victory in the end and we’re disappointed that we haven’t won.

“But there are a lot of pleasing things in that so we’ll take our point and move on.”