OUT of sorts captain Dean Hammond's ninth minute dismissal at Boundary Park threatened to make it a miserable afternoon for the 317 visiting Albion fans.
But a battling performance and some shrewd tactical changes by manager Dean Wilkins brought an unlikely reward with a last-gasp equaliser from substitute Nathan Elder.
The small but noisy Albion contingent behind Michel Kuipers' goal erupted in delight and the Dutch 'keeper himself was so fired up that he came mighty close to being arrested by the police for his pumped up celebrations.
It was hardly surprising there was such an outpouring of joy after reaping some reward at the end of a tough week for the Albion which had looked like getting tougher with that early sending off of Hammond.
The skipper couldn't really complain, though. With such a high focus on two-footed challenges right now, the referee had little option.
From there on in, huge credit has to go to the remaining 10, plus three subs, for the part they all played in coming away from this bleak corner of the North West with a point.
Not surprisingly, Wilkins rewarded Wes Fogden for his impressive debut at Swansea with a first league start at right back; Andrew Whing starting at left back in place of the injured Joel Lynch.
Unfortunately, once Oldham had a one-man advantage, they started to put Fogden under a lot of pressure, and Wilkins quickly changed things round, withdrawing the youngster and putting the experienced Kerry Mayo on at left back, with Whing reverting to the right.
I have never been a big fan of Mayo, but I have to take my hat off to a truly excellent professional performance. He used his experience to try to lessen the impact of Oldham's extra man through his passing and movement off the ball and credit to him for giving the manager a reminder he can still do a job.
The only one blemish to record was a horrendous full body check he did on Oldham goalscorer Lee Hughes which was rather like that assault Steve McQueen does on a German guard in The Great Escape just before 'Ives' gets shot. Astonishingly, Mayo didn't even get booked, let alone sent off.
Nicky Forster took the captain's armband once Hammond had walked and led by example with his lone running up front. As others have mentioned elsewhere, I think Forster would be a good candidate to keep the armband as he is a genuine leader on the field, constantly encouraging the youngsters. Especially now Hammond will miss three games for the automatic dismissal.
Adam El-Abd had one of his best ever games for the Albion with an assured display alongside Tommy Elphick.
Alex Revell worked hard when having to drop back to help the depleted Albion midfield and it was no surprise that Gary Hart took his place towards the end to ensure tired legs didn't spoil the tremendous effort in keeping Oldham's lead to only one goal.
Oldham hadn't won at home since the end of September last year, and you could see why. They appeared nervous and jittery and, apart from Hughes' clinically taken goal just before half-time, didn't look too likely to add to their score, save for a couple of efforts from set pieces.
The unlucky Nathan Elder, who must have splinters in his backside after the length of time he has spent on the bench, was thrown on with only five minutes remaining (minor moan, here.....why such a short time?.....surely it would be better to give him 15 mins at least). With the sign for added on time already having been brandished, Dean Cox whipped in a corner from the left. Forster got to it first and the ball cannoned off the bar. An almighty scramble ensued and the next we knew the ball was in the back of the net. It was difficult to see from our vantage point at the opposite end who had applied the finishing touch, but word quickly got round that it was Elder.
There was barely time for Oldham to restart the game before the ref blew the final whistle to cue delirious scenes of delight from the Albion faithful and players - and the skirmish between Kuipers and the stewards!
By Nick TurrellLabels: League One, Nick Turrell, Oldham
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