Athletic continued their pre-season build up with a behind closed doors game at Burnley. The starting team was Pogliacomi, M Clegg, Hall, Beharall, Hill, Carss, Appleby, Baudet, Eyres, Corazzin, Reeves. The match was played in 3 x 30 minute periods and the Latics used a 3-5-2 formation. Hill, Beharall and Hall were the back three supported by wing backs, Clegg M (right) and Carss (left). Appleby, Eyres and Baudet formed the midfield behind Reeves and Corazzin. Athletic's best attempt came in the second period when Matty Appleby (pictured) was unlucky when his low shot went just wide of the post. Michael Clegg took a knock and was replaced by triallist Chris Cornelly. David Reeves was also replaced by Scott Vernon in the second period. Burnley could have won the game in the third period but Gareth Taylor’s penalty shot hit the post.
Dowie commented, “The back three did particularly well as did Michael Clegg and Tony Carss. It was a good workout today, most of the lads managed to get their first full 90 minutes in and that's important at this stage.”