Latics 2-1 Stoke City

Latics kicked off their Group B National League Cup campaign off in good style with a 2-1 win over Stoke City U21s.

It was a steady start for Micky Mellon’s side with both teams figuring each other out in the opening stages. There were no notable chances in the opening 30 minutes, with Latics having most of the possession.

Alex Reid was brought on in the 16th minute and was in the thick of the action just 15 minutes later. Shaun Hobson played a long ball towards the striker who controlled well and fired towards goal on the half-volley. His thunderous strike was no match for Alfie Brooks in the Stoke net and gave Latics the lead.

After gaining the lead, Latics continued to pile on the pressure. Oli Hammond came close after a cut-back from Harry Charsley but his effort didn’t trouble Brooks. 

The next attack resulted in another Latics chance. Jack Stretton was played through by new recruit Jordan Garrick, but his fierce effort was parried once again by Brooks in the Stoke goal.

Moments later, the referee sounded his whistle, and the hosts went into the break deservedly ahead.

Latics came out the traps in the same vein as the first, half-time substitute Mo Doro rattled the crossbar from a cross-cum-shot, and from the rebound Hammond’s header was over the crossbar.

The visitors improved in the second period and were rewarded in the 68th minute, Jaden Mears was left unmarked at the back post as the ball came in from a Chinonso Chibueze cross and the substitute made no mistake and nodded past Moloney.

Latics reacted to the set-back well however, Jesurun Uchegbulam was introduced and was involved in the action straight away. He received the ball on the left, took his time before squaring the ball to Charsley. The midfielder guided the ball into the net and restored Latics’ lead.

The game seemed to be fizzling out with Latics comfortable winners, until the 88th minute when Charsley fouled and received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

The suspension doesn't run over in to the league however, and Harry will serve his suspension in the next National League Cup fixture.

Stoke rallied for the final few moments and applied pressure but the young Latics held their ground and earned their first three points in the new National League Cup.

Oldham: Moloney, Hobson (Moore 61), Charsley, Stretton, Raglan (Doro 46), Gardner, Caprice, Sutton, Garrick (Uchegbulam 62), Hammond, Khan (Reid 16) 

Subs Not Used: Hudson (GK)

Stoke City: Brooks, Dixon, Bickerton, Christy (Willox 65), Anderson, Lipsiuc, Fearn (Adekoya 46), Kelly ( Mears 65), Chibueze (Gyimah 73), Griffiths, Matondo (Gromek 56) 

Subs Not Used: Cooper (GK), Griffin.

Referee: Stuart Moorland 

Attendance: 455 (48)