Oldham and Barnsley may yet pay the price for the points that slipped away in their draw at Boundary Park.
Brian Talbot's Oldham, with only three wins in their last 23 league matches remain rooted perilously close to the foot of the second division.
And Barnsley, also under new management, saw their hopes of winning a play-off place recede.
Paul Hart has failed to register a win in his first three matches with the Tykes and his side has won only once in their last 16 games.
Hart thought his side had the better chances, but conceded that Oldham were the better footballing side.
"We had an off night, but showed a lot of courage and resilience to get a result," he declared.
Hart also thought his side ought to have been awarded a penalty when Daniel Nardiello was fouled, pointing out that incidents like that change games.
Talbot, who also thought his side was fortunate not to concede a spot-kick was disappointed that both his first games have ended in draws, especially as each has been at home.
"A plus point was that we played, better than we did against Colchester on Saturday. So I have to be reasonably pleased, but we can do a lot better," he said.
Barnsley never threatened until they stole into a 34th minute lead through on-loan striker Nardiello.
The front man was left unmarked at the far post to head home David Murphy's corner, which had looped over the head of goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi.
It was Nardiello's fifth goal in nine games since his temporary move from Manchester United.
The Latics drew level in the 53rd minute when Paul Murray rose on the far side of the penalty area to head home a cross from Michael Clegg.
Barnsley had a number of chances to have won the game with Nardiello twice going close, while substitute Jacob Burns and defender Murphy also went close.
Oldham substitute Wes Wilkinson and Scott Vernon also had half-chances but, on reflection, a draw was a fair result because neither side deserved to take maximum points.