Latics 0-0 Lincoln City

No goals but plenty of encouragement again for Micky Mellon as Latics held their own against EFL League One opposition for the second weekend running.

After starting their pre-season campaign with victory over Stockport, Oldham registered another highly promising performance against Lincoln City, creating a number of chances as they played out a goalless draw.

The overall showing will again offer cause for encouragement, as the home side constructed some promising football throughout their latest friendly outing.

Mellon again opted to employ a formation consisting of three central defenders, making one change in personnel from the win over Stockport, as Regan Ogle made his first appearance in a Latics shirt at right wing-back.

The fact that Latics created the clearer chances during the first half was a reflection of the bright football they again played.

The best chance came midway through the first half, Mike Fondop rising at the near post to meet a teasing cross from Mark Kitching but his header went wide.

Fondop and Kitching became increasingly involved during the first half, combining for an earlier chance before Fondop then broke into the area, only to be closed down by MJ Kamara, who blocked the striker’s effort.

The visitors had started well, Matt Hudson making a sharp save to deny Freddie Draper with his legs, but Latics grew in confidence as the half progressed.

Shaun Hobson fired wide with a first-time shot after Josh Kay had linked with Josh Lundstram from a short corner routine. Kay was then involved twice more, breaking from midfield before his shot was held by Zack Jeacock and then teeing up Fondop, who cleared the crossbar from range.

Mellon made three changes at the interval before a further five during the early stages of the second period but despite the wholesale substitutions, the home side kept their positive intentions.

Early in the second period, Charlie Raglan headed over before two shots were blocked in quick succession after Lundstram weaved his way into the Lincoln area.

The visitors also made mass substitutions, strengthening their side with their more recognised players, and although they saw more of the ball, Latics more than held their own.

Among the home substitutions was Jez Uchegbulam. With three minutes remaining, he found space in the area before an effort flashed across the face of goal.

Kurt Willoughby also saw a free-kick by the visitors’ trialist goalkeeper, and while they were unable to find the breakthrough, there were again plenty of positives for the home side to take.

 

Oldham Athletic: Hudson (Trialist 73), Ogle (Sutton 46), Kitching (Trialist A 46), Hobson (Hogan 69), Monthe ()Willoughby 69), Charsley (Doro 73), Lundstram (Moore 69), Fondop (Reid 66), Conlon (Trialist C 69), Kay (Trialist B 46), Raglan (Uchegbulam 69).

Referee: Declan Brown

Attendance: 1,138 (202 away)