Latics were unable to contain Brian Easton as Burnley established a 2-0 half-time lead in their opening totesport.com League fixture of the season at Stalybridge.

Left-back Easton scored twice in the opening half hour to put the Clarets in a commanding position.

Yet Latics almost stole ahead in the third minute when Sean Highdale's cross clipped the crossbar.

Burnley took an eighth-minute lead through an unopposed header from Easton following a Michael King free kick.

They doubled their advantage after 26 minutes when the :Latics defence failed to clear a free kick and Easton poked the ball home from close range.

Latics were lucky only to be trailing 2-0 at the break as Richard Eckersley struck the crossbar while Jay Rodriguez missed a penalty which was well saved by keeper Josh Ollerenshaw who had conceded the spot kick.

Ollerenshaw also pulled off another excellent save to deny Wes Fletcher who was clean through on goal.

Half-time: Latics res 0, Burnley res 2.