Oldham Athletic vs Nottingham Forest on 21 Jul 18 - Match Centre

Oldham Athletic face their first real test of pre-season this weekend as Nottingham Forest are the visitors to Boundary Park.

It’s been a relatively comfortable pre-season in terms of results for Frankie Bunn’s men so far.

Peter Clarke, a trialist and Jose Baxter scored to ensure Latics got off to a winning start against Ashton United as they ran out 1-3 winners.

Latics then faced Curzon Ashton at the Tameside Stadium and swept them aside 0-2. Goals from Dan Gardner and Giles Coke secured Athletic the win.

National League North opposition was again next for Athletic as they beat FC United of Manchester 0-2 at Broadhurst Park. A trialist opened the scoring whilst Johan Branger-Engone ensured Athletic headed into the game against Nottingham Forest with a 100% pre-season record.

The game against Forest will be a tough test for Bunn’s men, however, they will head into the game with confidence.

Whilst Athletic have a couple of injuries, they do have Andy Taylor available after the full back penned a permanent deal with the club this week.

There are set to again be trialists at the game for Bunn and his managerial staff to take a look at them.

The game will also see the manager in the home dugout for the first time since his appointment and he is more than looking forward to it.

“I think it should be quite exciting,” he said.

“It’s our first game at home, hopefully the fans in Oldham will come have a look at us, and hopefully it goes well.”

The North Stand and George Hill stands will be open for home supporters whilst the Jimmy Frizzell stand will only be open for wheelchair users.

Prices for the game are as follows:

Adults: £10
Over 65: £5
Student (with ID): £5
U21: £5
U18s: £1
U12s: Free (with paying adult)

All admission is via payment on the turnstile, no tickets will be sold in advance.

Please note the Business Suite will be closed for this game.

Match Previews

Oldham Athletic maintained their unbeaten start to pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Championship opposition Nottingham Forest.

Matthew Cash did put Forest in the opening three minutes of the game before Latics netted two second half goals and led until three minutes from time.

A trialist equalised whilst 10 minutes later, George Edmundson powered his header into the top corner as Latics took the lead.

They held that until the final three minutes of the game as Lewis Grabban equalised, however, Latics remain unbeaten during this pre-season.

It was not the best start to the game for Oldham Athletic as they fell behind on three minutes.

Cash managed to get in front of his man and he steered the ball into the bottom corner to put Forest ahead.

It was almost two a minute later as Joe Lolley’s goal bound shot was well blocked by Edmundson.

Latics’ trialist goalkeeper had to be alert soon after as Hillal Soudani weaved his way through on goal but he stood up well to the task and saved.

Athletic’s first chance came on 13 minutes as Dan Gardner’s cross found the head of Edmundson but Costel Pantilimon made the save.

Latics improved as the game went on, however, Gardner was forced off just after the half hour mark with injury.

Bunn made a change at half time and brought on a trialist and he made an immediate impact by scoring three minutes into the second half.

He received the ball in the penalty area and whipped the ball into the bottom corner to equalise.

Ten minutes later and Latics were ahead. Andy Taylor’s cross found Edmundson and he powered his header into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Forest went close on a couple of occasions to get the equaliser. Firstly, Grabban curled a free kick into the arms of the trialist goalkeeper, whilst with 10 minutes remaining, Joao Carvalho skied over from six yards.

The visitors did manage to get their equaliser in the final three minutes of the game through Grabban. The striker netted at the back post to ensure it ended a draw.

Oldham Athletic: Trialist, Taylor (Stott 71’), Edmundson (Clarke 71’), Graham, Hamer, Gardner (Nepomuceno 36’), Coke, Missilou, Maouche (Trialist 46’), Branger-Engone, Trialist.

Subs not used: De La Paz, Sheridan.

Goals: Oldham Athletic (Trialist 48’, Edmundson 58’) 2-2 Nottingham Forest (Cash 3’, Grabban 87’)

Attendance: 1,768 (670 away supporters)

Oldham Athletic

PREVIEW: Latics To Face Championship Opposition Tomorrow Afternoon

REPORT: Latics Maintain Unbeaten Start To Pre-Season With Draw Against Nottingham Forest