Tony Carss' second-half strike ensured the Latics took a point from their clash against relegated Huddersfield after Danny Schofield had given the home side the lead.
After a scrappy opening it was always going to take something special to drag the game out of the doldrums, and it came in the 26th minute from Schofield.
He raced onto a loose ball before unleashing a stunning 30-yard strike which left keeper David Miskelly without a hope.
After that goal Oldham stepped up the pressure on a fragile looking Town defence but could not find a way past Phillip Senior.
For all Oldham's pressure it was the Terriers who should have doubled their lead after an exquisite Martin Smith pass found Jonathon Stead clear through on goal, only for his shot to hit the woodwork.
Following a disjointed start to the second period Oldham stepped up a gear as they began to test the Terriers back line.
And on 68 minutes the Latics levelled terms. After excellent build up play a Josh Low cross found Carss at the edge of the box for the midfielder to fizz a shot into the bottom right-hand corner.
Ian Dowie believes his team can play better than their performance suggested at the McAlpine.
He said: "We should have done better in the first half but we were excellent in the second. Josh Low was first class on the right wing." Huddersfield caretaker manager Mel Machin was pleased with his relegated team's efforts.
He said: "I am proud of the lads, they worked their socks off today, Town have very good players."