They thought it was all over. It isn't yet.

The race for seventh spot in the National League has become one that no-one wants to win. Apart from Southend United, who have overcome a 10-point deduction at the start of the season to go undefeated in 15 games and climb to the cusp of the play-offs.

Latics have slipped the other way in a similar timeframe.

Draw specialists is not a title that anyone wants, but they have 17 of them now, with six recorded on their nine-game winless run.

The latest was added at Oxford City on Saturday. Just when you think you have seen the worst of it this season, performances plunge to new depths.

Goalless against a side who have shipped the most in the National League, and all four divisions above. Manager Micky Mellon labelled the performance toothless, and there was no holding back from the Scot in his post-match press conference.

"I'm just so angry and so frustrated because I want better. I came here for better. I came here for more and it's disappointing and I'm angry and frustrated," he said.

"I take my share of responsibility for it, without a doubt, but it has been one of the toughest jobs that I've ever been involved in, and there are tough times to come."

With that, Mellon was referencing balancing the budget, with little room for manoeuvre in the summer transfer market unless some of those who remain under contract, who he feels do not merit a place in his squad, are able to be moved on.

At the time it was expected that the final play-off places would be decided, but the other full-time results and the tea-time kick-off prolonged what has become a sense of agony rather than anticipation.

Defeats for Halifax and Aldershot would have softened the blow of only picking up a point at Oxford at fortnight beforehand. But not in this instance. It felt like a sickener. And you couldn't help but reflect on what might have been.

James Norwood was denied a curling effort by the keeper in the first half and the post in the second, putting the rebound over an open goal.

Dan Gardner brought an expert save from Tom Watson. Hallam Hope flashed a chance narrowly wide across goal and had a last-minute goal ruled out for handball.

Equally, Latics had Mat Hudson to thank for the clean sheet, with smart saves from livewire substitute Zac McEachran and Josh Ashby's dipping free kick.

It is somewhat remarkable, given the miserable run they are on - with just 10 points from a possible 36, that Latics are STILL not entirely out of the play-off race with two games to go.

"They've just got to keep going," added Mellon.

"We need to do better. We need to do more."

A 0-0 draw between Halifax and Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night, in Accrington, kept the Shaymen within reach with the trans-Pennine derby to be played at the third attempt tonight. At the home of National League champions Chesterfield.

Latics have been handed more than one lifeline. It is up to them, now, whether they grab it in the remaining two games, or let it slip through their fingers again.

It is last chance saloon tonight.