Oldham Athletic recorded a 1-3 victory in their first pre-season friendly of the season.
Captain Peter Clarke put Latics ahead in the opening five minutes of the game before two second half goals from a Trialist and Jose Baxter put Athletic three goals ahead.
Ashton did pull a goal back before the end of the game from the penalty spot through a trialist.
It was the first test of pre-season for Frankie Bunn’s men and they got off to a perfect start.
Jack Byrne’s quick free kick found Johan Branger-Engone on the right. He crossed deep to the back post where Clarke met it with his head. His effort was blocked but he stabbed home the rebound to put Athletic ahead.
Chances for Trialist, Aaron Holloway and Branger-Engone followed but all went wide of the goal.
Ashton threatened and went close through a trialist five minutes before Byrne almost extended the lead after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he came out on top.
It was a relatively good half for Latics with Clarke’s header the difference at the interval.
Bunn made a host of changes at the break as Jose Baxter entered the field for his second debut.
He was lively in attack and it didn’t take long for Latics to extend their lead.
Nepomuceno delivered towards the back post and Trialist put the ball home at the second attempt to make it two.
After an impressive second half display, Baxter did get himself on the scoresheet with 15 minutes of the game remaining.
Trialist crossed low to the forward and he made no mistake from 12 yards, however, Ashton were to get one back before the end from the penalty spot.
Zeus De La Paz was adjudged to have fouled the Ashton United striker and a Trialist stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Oldham Athletic First Half: Placide, Hunt, Graham, Clarke, Nepomuceno, Branger-Engone, Trialist, Trialist, Byrne, Holloway, Trialist.
Oldham Athletic Second Half: De La Paz, Hunt (Trialist 60’), Edmundson, Graham (Uche 73’), Nepomuceno (Sheridan 79’), Fane, Gardner (c), Trialist, Branger-Engone (Hamer 60’), Baxter, Trialist.
Goals: Ashton United 1-3 Oldham Athletic (Clarke 5’, Trialist 54’, Baxter 76’)