Latics start to the 2009/10 season saw them play out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Stockport County at Boundary Park, in front of 6,918 (1,658).

Proceedings got under way with a minutes applause in memory of Sir Bobby Robson.

The former England manager lost his battle with lung cancer only a week before the new season kicked off and respects were paid throughout the Football League.

Athletic started the game with eight debutants, including Pete Gilbert at left back and Alex Marrow at right back, both having only joined the Athletic squad on Thursday.

Jon Worthington showed his colours for the forthcoming season, when the combative midfielder's fourth foul of the game, after only 15 minutes, got him a talking to from Referee Langford.

With 24 minutes on the clock Latics had what looked a clear cut penalty denied. A through ball by Andy Holdsworth sent Pawel Abbott away and as he skipped between two County defenders he appeared to have his ankles clipped. However to the dismay of the home fans the Referee waved away the vocal appeals.

Dean Furman, likened by some to Chelsea's Frank Lampard, caused County problems throughout the game and along with man of the match Sean Gregan was the stand out player for Athletic.

Despite Worthington's tough tackling it was Danny Whitaker who picked up the first Athletic yellow card of the new season, when on 77 minutes he was slow to react in the midfield, catching Stockport's Greg Tansey from behind.

He made amends 5 minutes later with an outstanding ball in to the area which found Abbott at the back post; his volley thundered off the arm of Stockport's Gian Luca Havern, but both the Referee and his Assistant allowed play to continue, to the outage of the Latics forward.

Speaking to Latics Player after the match Manager Dave Penney said: "I'm pleased with the display, but disappointed not to get the goal".

In a game which Latics always looked the most likely to score Penney said: "Eleven shots on target, you have to be pleased with that.

"I was delighted with the second half, and especially the clean sheet.

"Other than not scoring today I think we've gelled well, we were a threat going forward.

"If we keep making the chances like we did, the goals will come".

Penney will however be troubled by the potential loss of Captain Sean Gregan and influential wide man Chris Taylor, both of whom took knocks during the game.

Penney said: "We'll get the players in Sunday for a cool down and assess where we are, then on Monday we'll look to get ready for the Carlisle game".