RICHIE Wellens’ seven-game unbeaten run came crashing to an end despite a gallant fight back from two goals down.

Local schoolchildren dressed in Halloween costumes were paraded onto the sodden Boundary Park turf before kick-off.

But it was Latics who got off to a nightmare start, trailing 2-0 with only 10 minutes on the clock.

Richie Wellens’ men were left chasing this one when Hakeeb Abdelakun’s dangerous low cross found Lee Novak, who’s initial shot was saved by Jack Ruddy. The rebound fell straight to Tom Hopper who had the simplest of tap-ins after five minutes.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Abdelakun pick-pocketed a hesitant Peter Clarke on the edge of the box. He fed it through to Josh Morris who finished into the corner. Horrific stuff.

Latics were static all over the pitch in a sea change from their recent fluid, attacking effervescence.

Athletic’s back line were leaving some frightening gaps at the back as a side containing two changes from Tuesday’s last-gasp victory over Bury, struggled for a foothold.

Jack Ruddy was back between the sticks in place of Johny Placide who had returned to France following the death of his mother. Abdelhakim Omrani was given his chance in midfield in place of Queensy Menig. He lasted 29 minutes – hauled off as the flying Dutchman entered the fray.

It could have been worse for Latics had Ousmane Fane seen red instead of yellow after leading with an elbow in an aerial challenge which flattened Scunthorpe right back Jordan Clarke. The Frenchman was fortunate to stay on the field.

Although Latics forced several first-half corners, the Scunthorpe goal – guarded by Chadderton-raised self-confessed Athletic fan Matt Gilks – led a very sheltered life right up until first-half stoppage time when the breakthrough finally arrived.

Craig Davies headed back across goal from Jack Byrne’s left-sided corner and captain Clarke, up from the back, nodded in to offer the home side some hope.

All the signs were there – Dan Gardner going close with long-range efforts either side of Clarke’s goal.

The break came at a bad time for Athletic who were now – albeit slowly – finding their way into the contest.

Latics started the second half in much livelier fashion, upping the tempo, and – crucially – getting Jack Byrne on the ball in midfield as creator-in-chief. Athletic instantly looked more of a threat going forward as a result.

Eoin Doyle was presented with a half-chance after good work from Menig on left but side-footed it straight at Gilks with 56 minutes gone. He should really have put his laces through it.

Athletic had an almighty scare moments later when Ruddy brought down Hopper inside the box when he appeared to be clean through. The referee said no – much to the displeasure of Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander who was apoplectic on the touchline.

The game was becoming an end-to-end affair and a much better watch. Menig and Byrne were having a real say but chances remained at a premium.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway was thrown on for Rob Hunt with 13 minutes left as Wellens went 3-4-3 in search of an equaliser.

It came on 81 minutes. Holloway headed into the danger area when Scunthorpe failed to clear a free kick and Davies was free at the far post to bundle in.

Disaster struck when Iron substitute Duane Holmes tapped in a low Morris cross from the left three minutes later.

LATICS (4-4-2): Ruddy, Dummigan, Clarke (Brian Wilson 65), Bryan, Hunt (Amadi-Holloway 77); Fane, Gardner, Byrne, Omrani (Menig 29); Davies, Doyle. Subs (not used): Gerrard, Flynn, Nepomuceno, Green. Booked: Fane.

SCUNTHORPE (4-4-2): Gilks, Clarke, McArdle, Wallace, Burgess; Abdelakun (Holmes 71), Bishop (Crofts 86), Ojo, Morris; Novak, Hopper (Church 65). Subs (.not used): Watson, Madden, Van Veen, Butroid. Booked: Gilks, McArdle.

Attendance: 4,331 (440 away).

Referee: Scott Oldham.