It was 0-2 after 10 minutes when Clint Hill scored an own goal after a defensive mix up. The Latics pulled one back through Josh Low (pictured), making his first team debut, after 20 minutes following a good run and a one-two in the area. Athletic could have equalised after half an hour but as Andrews raced onto a long ball he chipped his shot over Karelse in the Newcastle goal and unfortunately over the bar as well.
Another chance fell to Wayne Andrews just on half time but he blazed his effort over the bar from close range. Lourenco and Low both made good impressions in an exciting first half.