French triallist Julian Cherel made a favourable impression for Latics reserves giving them a first-half lead at Wrexham.

The 6ft 5in Cherel, dominant in defence, popped up at the opposite end of the pitch to head home a Joe Jacobson cross.

Latics, paying their first ever visit to Airbus UK's Broughton ground where Wrexham reserves play their matches, were involved in an uneventful opening.

Wrexham's 16-year-old midfield player Jamie Morton went close with a 30-yard drive which flew narrwoly wide.

Deane Smalley and Morton were both booked for fouls as the match had a competitive edge.

Latics came within inches of taking the lead after 17 minutes when Jacobson's sweetly-struck free kick rattled the crossbar.

DJ Bembo (pictured) limped off midway through the half after injuring his right leg following a challenge and he was replaced by Andy Crompton.

Latics eventually made a breakthrough after 34 minutes following a well worked short-corner routine as Cherel rose at the far post to head home Jacobson's cross.

They ought to have doubled their advantage not long after when Smalley and Jacobson both ought to have converted a left-wing cross from triallist Paris Cowan-Hall.

Cowan-Hall also had a chance in stoppage time to make it 2-0, but his angled shot flew narrowly wide.

Half-time: Wrexham reserves 0, Latics reserves 1.