First defeat of the season
Latics reserves suffered their first defeat of the season losing 4-1 at home to Port Vale in the Central League, West Division.It was a disappointing afternoon for Latics who had senior players like Charlie MacDonald, Jonson Clarke-Harris, Paul Rachubka, Anton Rodgers, Edijs Joksts, Carl Winchester and Kirk Millar in their line up.
Vale who, too, had a strong side took the lead in first half stoppage time when Chris Birchall opened their defence and squared the ball for Gavin Tomlin to tap into an empty net at the far post.
Latics and Vale both ought to have been awarded penalties in the opening period.
Clarke-Harris looked to have been brought down by keeper Sam Johnson when clean through while Latics' trialist right back clearly shoved Tomlin off the ball.
Vale doubled their lead soon after the restart when they carved open Latics' defence for Rob Taylor to fire home from close range.
Taylor struck again to make it 3-0 when he cut in from the left and found the net with a sweet finish.
Latics scored their consolation goal in the 75th minute when Clarke-Harris broke away down the left and cut the ball back for substitute Jordan Bove (pictured) to find the net with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Vale added a fourth goal with 10 minutes left when Jordan Hugill cut in from the left and unleashed a terrific shot into the far corner of the net.
Latics scored their consolation goal in the 75th minute when Clarke-Harris broke away down the left and cut the ball back for substitute Jordan Bove (pictured) to find the net with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Vale added a fourth goal with 10 minutes left when Jordan Hugill cut in from the left and unleashed a terrific shot into the far corner of the net.