OLDHAM Athletic boss Micky Mellon thought the strength of his squad was vital in the 1-1 draw with Southend United.

The Latics came back from a goal down to secure a share of the spoils against the Shrimpers.

And Mellon felt his substitutions proved key in picking up a point after what he felt was a poor start.

“In the first half we were far, far too passive,” Mellon told the club’s website.

“We didn’t make them defend enough and turned down the forward pass too often.

“Southend are a good team but there weren’t any real chances in the first half.

“We gave away a sloppy free-kick and to lose a goal like that was poor but we changed it a bit in the second half and the lads that came on changed it for us.”

One of those substitutes, Mike Fondop, headed home an equaliser 14 minutes from time and Mellon was happy with the impact made by those coming on.

“That’s the value of a squad and substitutes,” said Mellon.

“They’ve come on and we’ve played with more urgency.

“It was a much better second half and we got after them more.

“We got a deserved equaliser and it was a good game between two decent teams at this level who battled it out.

“I think both teams will be disappointed not to get three points but I thought it was a real contest.”