Latics’ assistant manager John Ebbrell felt there were plenty of positives to take from their 2-1 defeat at Boreham Wood – but says conceding late was a “bitter pill to swallow”.

Ben Tollitt appeared to have secured a valuable point on the road after cancelling out Lee Ndlovu’s opener.

But Ndlovu struck again in stoppage time to extend Latics’ winless run to seven games in all competitions.

Ebbrell felt they didn’t deserve to leave empty-handed and was encouraged by what he saw against a side just outside the play-off places.

“I thought we played really well in parts,” he said. “I’m disappointed for the players because they put a hell of a lot of effort in, they played to a high standard.

“I’m disappointed for the fans that were here and the fans at home. They are suffering a bit at the moment like we all are.

“But I couldn’t fault the players, the performance levels and their effort. Just disappointing goals, especially the one right at the end.

“We were trying to be positive to get the win because we felt at that stage the momentum was all with us.

“The players had done ever so well to equalise. They hit the bar a couple of times and I felt at that stage there was only one winner.

“But they were always a threat once they were down our end of the pitch and it was a bitter pill to swallow with the last kick of the game.”

The result leaves Latics 23rd in the National League table, although they have played at least one game fewer than the sides around them.

Ebbrell admits things are tough at the minute but says he cannot fault the amount of effort from the players.

The former Everton man is confident they can turn it around as long as they “stay committed” and maintain belief.

“The players are devastated,” he said. “It is not like there could be any more effort.

“Their ‘keeper has kicked it against one of our players, it has swung behind his back and he has landed on it.

“It just feels like that is the way it is at the moment. I know football, I have been in the game a long time, and these things eventually turn.

“We have got to stay committed, stay true to what you believe in and I feel the performance tonight deserved a win. We have just got to keep that belief and move on to then next.

“There is no alternative, and the group of players understand exactly what it is and how we want to play. I feel some wins are around the corner, I believe that totally.”

Latics are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Torquay United to Boundary Park (KO 3pm).