Oldham Athletic’s youth team, who are in Portugal on a pre-season training camp, beat York City 2-1 in their first friendly of the summer.
Played in the blistering Portugal heat, Tony Philliskirk’s men took a first half lead as Chinedu Uche guided the ball into the back of the net after a neat knock back from Brad Kay.York came out strongly after the break and equalised on the hour mark as a defensive mistake led to a York striker to net the equaliser.
However, whilst the players started to tire, Latics regained their lead 15 minutes from the end as Ned Dry stabbed home at the back post to win the game for Philliskirk’s men.
Speaking about the game, the youth team manager said: “It was a really tough game for both sets of players with the heat but it was a good work out.
“We hadn’t done any preparation for the game in terms of set pieces, team shape and game play so to get the win was pleasing.
"We have mainly been concentrating on fitness and getting the lads back into the football routine, and getting the new lads prepared for what it’s going to be like.
“We’re learning about the individuals whilst we’re here in Portugal. We’re getting to know about their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve been testing them physically and mentally and they are reacting well.
“We’ve got to be careful to not overwork them but everyone is getting on great in tough conditions and this will benefit the lads this season.”