Oldham Athletic youth team drew 2-2 with Carlisle United at the club’s Chapel Road training ground yesterday.
Carl Winchester gave Latics the lead early into the game and midway through the half, Ryan McLaughlin made it two prodding home from close range.Carlisle managed to pull a goal back before half time and equalised just before the hour mark as Shaun Miller struck home from inside the penalty area.
Speaking about the game, assistant boss Ian Baraclough said: “It was another good work out.
“We need to get regular games for many reasons, players coming back from injuries, lads keeping up match sharpness and young players integrating with the first team.
"It’s a training ground environment, we’re not in a stadium and the other first team lads were training on the other pitch but yesterday there was a really good attitude about the boys and we got a lot from it.
"Everyone is pushing for place, that’s the good thing. Nobody is sulking around and everyone knows they have a chance of being around the first team squad.”
McLaughlin looked bright throughout the game and Baraclough believes the 21-year-old is forcing his way into the manager’s plans.
"He is one that came into the building and he didn’t have any football for four months. He picked up an injury at Liverpool and he came in late pre-season so we’ve had to be patient with him,” he commented.
"He’s also had to be patient as well because when you come into a new surrounding you want to impress. It has been frustrating for him because he’s not been able to go straight into the group but you can see he’s coming on week by week.
“He lasted 90 minutes and he was strong going into the final minutes of the game so it was good for him and he will prove to be good competition and it will be something for the manager to think about."
Jamie Reckord played the full 90 minutes and came through unscathed. “It’s been stop start for Jamie,” admitted Baraclough.
“He did really well in pre-season but got an injury against Millwall in the first game of the season and had to come off.
"He was sore after his next game and it kept him out for a couple of weeks but for him this game has broken down a mental barrier for him. He’s got 90 minutes under his belt and he will now be pushing to get into the team.”