Defensive nightmare in reserve-team friendly
Latics never recovered from a nightmare opening as they were beaten 6-2 by Fleetwood Town in their reserve-team friendly at Chapel Road.They found themselves 5-0 down after 38 minutes following a defensive horror show.
Latics, in fairness, produced a spirited second-half showing in which Youssouf M'Changama and Daniel Taylor found the net.
A goal from Hungarian trialist Mozesh Gyorio gave Fleetwood the lead in the 14th minute.
Matt Smith twice headed narrowly wide and Robbie Simpson forced a decent save from Chris Maxwell as Latics produced a spirited riposte.
The wheels came off as Latics conceded four goals in a 16-minute spell through 18-year-old Jamie Allen (2), Alex Titchner and Lee Fowler.
M'Changama got Latics on to the scoresheet in the 53rd minute with a well struck free kick which went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Allen produced a piece of brilliant footwork followed by a clinical finish to complete his hat trick as Fleetwood got their sixth goal.
Carl Winchester burst clear and squared the ball for substitute Daniel Taylor to score Latics' second with 10 minutes left.