OLDHAM Athletic boss Micky Mellon credited a ‘battling point’ as the Latics were held to a 1-1 draw with York City.

Mike Fondop had put Oldham ahead on the hour mark when beating York goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy to a floating cross, before Will Davies netted his fifth goal of the Vanarama National League season from close-range.

City are now just one point ahead of the relegation zone, with 12 matches remaining of the campaign.

Oldham manager Mellon admitted that it was a battling performance from both sides, and believes that the Minstermen should not be in the precarious position that they find themselves in.

“It’s a battling point,” Mellon told the Press’ sister title, the Oldham Times.

“But I thought it was a tight hard fought game.

“It was always going to be difficult because York find themselves in this situation, and they’ve actually got some good players and a heavily invested squad, so they’re probably in a position that they never should be in.

“But we fought hard. We weren’t at our best but we definitely fought and defended and our shape was good and we showed all those qualities that are needed over a season in order to pick up results.

“Picking up four points from two really tough away games - I know we’re always greedy and want more but now that it’s finished you’ve got to say four points is a good return from two away games.

“We certainly came here and wanted three, but credit to the players, big journey at the weekend and coming here, and they turn in a battling performance, buoyed on by a magnificent following again.

“I’m just sorry we couldn’t give you the victory to go back down the road. But we’re still fighting and we’re still ticking that scoreboard over.”

Oldham boss Mellon was also disappointed in the manner of goal which his Latics side conceded, but did credit the work rate from both sides in a narrow contest which saw the visitors drop one place in their hunt for the play-offs.

“I’m more disappointed that we didn’t win the first contact, I’ve got to be honest, especially when I think our players are very good at defending our 18-yard box.

“The ball came a long way but we weren’t able to win that first contact or the second contact.

“But I can only have credit for them, they worked really hard, we just weren’t able to get that winning goal.”