Caldwell: Point was least we deserved

Latics had looked like slipping to another defeat on the road as they found themselves unable to cancel out Chris Wood’s 30th-minute opener.

But MacDonald rescued a point right at the death with a superb strike from close range after Max Power had kept the ball in the danger area.

“I think a point was the least we deserved out of the game,” acknowledged Caldwell.

“It was another good performance away from home, at a big stadium, in front of a big crowd.

“We controlled the game in the first half, which was a half of few chances, but the best fell to us.

“We went behind against the run of play, to a counter-attack, which from our point of view is disappointing.

“When we have the ball is probably when we’re at our most vulnerable, and we have to be better at dealing with that.

“It was a disappointing goal to lose, but we kept going, we kept plugging away.

“We lost our way a little in the second half, but once the subs got going I thought we caused problems.”

Latics had shown great spirit to almost get back on level terms by the midway point, only for Nick Powell and Jake Buxton to be thwarted at point-blank range after Michael Jacobs had struck the outside of a post.

“I think that’s the way it’s been going,” mused the Latics boss.

“When you’ve not scored in the last couple of games like we hadn’t, you can wonder if it’s going to happen again.

“But the boys showed great commitment, great belief, they kept plugging away, and they got the least they deserved.”

Caldwell had already labelled MacDonald a ‘vital’ presence in the engine room following his summer signing from Bournemouth, and the Wales international underlined his importance with an important first goal for the club.

“Shaun’s been fantastic since he came here,” added Caldwell.

“The way he plays the game, his energy levels, the experience he gives to other players, is fantastic.

“It’s great for him to get a goal...it’s the desire, the willingness.

“However you get the ball into the net, it’s a goal, and it doesn’t matter.

“He’s put his foot through it and it’s gone in.”