HARRY Vaughan's first league goal was just reward for the teenager's hard work, according to head coach Keith Curle.

The teenager came off the bench in the 75th minute with his side trailing 2-0, and within seconds of his introduction had breathed life back into Latics with a superb move and finish.

Vaughan combined with Callum Whelan, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, before reducing the deficit with a confident finish that belied his tender years.

And while Latics were unable to build on it to get at least a point out of the game, Curle acknowledged it was a big moment for the youth team product.

"The lad is worth every inch, and that's not just for what he's doing when he's coming on or starting games, his attitude in and around the building the kid is desperate to continue his development," said Curle.

"He's one of the first ones in and one of the last two leave all the time.

"As a young man he's maturing and he's developing and he's worth every inch."

And Curle was frustrated that Vaughan's first league goal did not mean more to the club, after creating a host of chances against Harrogate, with Jack Stobbs twice hitting the woodwork - the first time from two yards out early in the game.

"We've got to score, it's as simple as that," said Curle.

"People can say bad luck, you've got to do better.

"You get an opportunity there a yard or two out you've got to put the ball in the back of the net and that will change the game. Goalline clearances, they defended their goal quite well. Our set pieces, we need to be better at our set piece delivery, and we've got to defend our goal better.

"They get a little bit of hold-up play and the next thing we get people running off people into our box.

"Last week that didn't happen, but that's the level of inconsistency that we need to improve on."

He added: "You've got to give them (Harrogate) credit, they were organised. We moved them about and caused them problems in the first half. We need to be more ruthless.

"Players without confidence haven't hit the back of the net, but that's when you've got to keep doing what needs to be done.

"Some of the basic play of their centre forward, we need that."