Laws admitted: "We huffed and puffed and didn't hurt them. They turned us over at every opportunity and made sure we defended from deep.
"Just when I thought we were getting it right, it is games like this that make you think there are 110 things wrong.
"Some of our play in the first-half was awful and we have a lot of work to do if we are to achieve anything."
Laws changed the side that won at Gillingham last Friday, bringing Andy Keogh back into the squad to replace Daniel McBreen.
Keogh had been unavailable for the win in Kent as he was on duty with the Republic of Ireland U-21 squad.
Laws added: "I thought it was the right decision at the time. It went against all my principles but I believed it would help us hurt Oldham more.
"But, in hindsight, it wasn't the right thing to do. If we are going to do anything this season we need to create more in the final third."
Delighted Oldham boss John Sheridan praised his side's performance.
He said: "We are heading in the right direction and I am sure we will do okay in our division.
"Gary McDonald is always looking for goals and took it well. It certainly won't have done his confidence any harm and let us hope there are a few more to come because I want my midfield to chip in with a few this season."