In an eventful pre-season fixture, it was Latics that came away 2-1 winners over Barrow AFC.
Goals from Jonson Clarke-Harris and a stunning strike from substitute Jordan Bove put Latics in a strong position before James Ellison pulled one back for the home side.Paddy Lacey was dismissed for the hosts minutes after Clarke-Harris' opener to dampen the day but it was Oldham Athletic that came away with victory.
Latics were unfortunate not to take the lead in the opening couple of minutes through a volley from James Dayton. Clarke-Harris headed into the path of Forte who flicked the ball to the winger, but the ball smashed the crossbar and away from danger.
The home side grew into the game and came within inches of opening the scoring on 11 minutes. Paul Rachubka fumbled the ball from a corner but Clarke-Harris recovered to clear Jason Walker’s effort off the line.
Latics took the lead on 33 minutes through Clarke-Harris. Joseph Mills’ pinpoint cross found the foot of the onrushing striker and he finished past the goalkeeper to take his tally to five for pre-season.
A mass brawl soon followed as tempers started to flare. Lacey’s two-footed challenge caused all 22 players and both benches to come together as the game became heated. Goalscorer Clarke-Harris and Simon Grand were booked for their involvement in the melee.
A clash of heads five minutes from the break resulted in midfielder Mike Jones being replaced by defender Genserix Kusunga.
The referee called end on a very eventful first half with Latics leading at the break, 1-0.
Danny Philliskirk and David Mellor were introduced into the game on half time, replacing Clarke-Harris and Mills.
Latics were using their player advantage to their strength, keeping the ball and taking a strong grip of proceedings.
Just after the hour mark, Latics were unfortunate not to double their lead. Timothee Dieng slipped the ball through to Philliskirk but the striker’s effort just trickled past the post.
Second half substitute William Gros had a perfect opportunity to extend Oldham Athletic’s lead on 68 minutes but his strike rebounded off the post and out of play for a goal kick.
Latics extended their lead with less than ten minutes remaining through a stunning strike from Bove. The youngster received the ball on 25 yards and thundered a shot past the goalkeeper in off the crossbar.
Barrow hit back instantly with a goal from Ellison. A cross was not dealt with in Latics’ box and the attacker volleyed home from six yards to reduce the arrears.
The home side nearly snatched an equaliser with five minutes remaining as Liam Willis rose above everybody but his header was too high and not troubling Rachubka.
As time ticked away, the visitors remained in control of the game and recorded their third victory of pre-season.
Attendance: 655