Latics 0 Manchester City 6

Latics lost their unbeaten pre-season friendly record to Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City side who ran out easy winners. City hit 4 goals in the last 10 minutes of the first half to kill the game as a contest. It all started badly with David Eyres being put out of the action with less than 10 minutes gone. Anelka scored a penalty to get the ball rolling for City before Sinclair, Fowler, Anelka again and Wright Phillips made the half-time score 0-5 in what was becoming an exhibition game for Manchester’s blue half of fans. City made a complete change of team after half time but Wanchope was on hand to head City’s sixth. The good news was that 11,000 spectators packed Boundary Park which is another financial boost to cash strapped Latics.

Now we need to see how Iain Dowie’s young team will fare in the real world. Dowie was seen on TV saying that Oldham may not even complete their fixtures this season, “We have enough to see us through the first two months.” Not good news for Athletic fans but what is good news is that we do have a team in the Football League to support. It’s up to all Latics fans to make the effort to get out to the games and bring as many friends along as you can. Oldham can survive, but not without the backing of the fans and local community support. With only 13 full time professionals, it’s going to be a long, hard season. If everyone pulls together and tries to remain positive, even after a thrashing, anything is possible. Keep the Faith.