Reserve-team coach Lee Duxbury could not fault Latics' kids, even though they lost 2-1 against Preston North End in the totesport.com League at Hyde United.

With the exception of Lewis Alessandra and Chris Rowney, the remainder of the team comprised trainees due to Latics having a Coca-Cola League One fixture against Brentford tonight at Boundary Park.

Latics who were beaten by two goals from senior Preston player Keith Treacy, the matchwinner  coming in the dying minutes. The Latics goal came from Andy Crompton.

Duxbury said: "There is a way to lose and I could not fault the effort and commitment of the lads which was excellent.

"I told the lads they were playing for professional contracts and they produced an excellent performance. I was bitterly disappointed they did not get the result their display deserved.

"The difference between the two teams was Treacy who produced two pieces of brilliant play."

Alessandra, whose season has been plagued by injury, played the opening half as he bids to regain his match sharpness.