Radcliffe 1-0 Latics

The visit to Stainton Park ended in defeat for Latics as they were beaten through an own goal.

The decisive moment came late in the first half, separating the sides in what was a fifth pre-season run-out for Micky Mellon’s side.

The Oldham manager again opted for his preferred pre-season set-up featuring three central defenders but this time he started with two strikers, Alex Reid being brought in to partner Mike Fondop in attack.

Latics a number of chances to have taken the lead, the most notable of which fell to Fondop.

Harry Charsley created the opportunity with good vision and an excellent through ball, which sent Fondop clear of the Radcliffe defence, but he could only direct his effort wide after entering the area.

Fondop had previously been involved with a header that was deflected wide from Reagan Ogle’s right-wing cross, whilst the full-back himself had a good chance but was denied by a low save from goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt.

The home side took the lead ten minutes before half-time, as Jude Oyibo picked out Matt Sargent, whose shot was touched over by Matt Hudson. From the resulting corner, Tom Walker’s delivery was turned into his own goal by Fondop.

Hudson was called into action again and had to be quick out of his goal to close down Oyibo as he approached the edge of the area.

There was another big chance for the visitors at the end of the first half, Manny Monthe showing good strength as he broke into the left side of the area. He sent an excellent cross into the centre of the area but no Latics player as able to make contact.

Monthe was again involved shortly after half-time with a header that was saved by Hewelt before a series of changes were introduced.

Latics, though, struggled to make any further impression in attack and it was the home side who carried the greater threat. Hudson gathered a low effort from Sargent, before Jamie Morgan later turned inside the Oldham area but shot wide.

Fondop managed to create space on the edge of the Radcliffe box but despite his show of strength, Hewelt was able to hold the effort.

 

Oldham Athletic: Hudson, Ogle (Trialist A 79), Kitching, Hobson, Monthe, Charsley (Gardner 63), Lundstram, Fondop, Conlon, Raglan (Uchegbulam 73), Reid (Trialist B 51).

Subs not used: Norman, Hogan, Sutton, Doro, Moore, Hammond.

Radcliffe: Hewelt, Jackson (Trialist A 79), Duxbury (Trialist B 79), Smith, Hancock (Navarro 63), Hulme (Bange 70), Oyibo (Dudley 43), Roscoe, Wardle, Walker (Morgan 63), Sargent.

Subs not used: Mercer, Trialist C.

Referee: Declan Brown

Attendance: 1,142