Oldham Athletic 0 Leeds United 0

Last updated : 23 July 2004 By The Chairman

Leeds United came to Boundary Park for Athletic’s sternest pre-season task to date. The Latics started strongly but Leeds got the best chance in the first half when Ricketts missed a good chance to open the scoring before Rodney Jack (pictured) hit over the bar from a David Eyres corner. Jack missed another opportunity when he blazed a shot way over the bar. The Latics looked the better side as the first half finished and an Eyres header two minutes from the whistle was saved brilliantly by Shaaban to keep the scoreline at 0-0.

In the second half Kelvin Jack replaced Les Pogliacomi and Matty Appleby came on for Mark Bonner. Hignett should have done better for Leeds with a header early on, then in the 53rd. minute Jack lost his footing again, something he did on seceral occasions, and missed a chance to put the Latics ahead. A minute later Jermaine Johnson missed another chance with a sloppy shot. Chris Killen failed in the 72nd. minute as another chance went begging. Keeper Jack put in another sterling performance which might just be enough to earn him a contract as back up for Poggs.

Leeds were under the cosh as the game concluded and Killen was again unlucky in the 76th. minute when his header from Matty Appleby’s free kick went wide. Brian Talbot can take heart from another good performance and his side seems to be taking shape nicely as the season approaches. Another shut-out, Latics undefeated and with a goal difference of 8-0 the future is looking bright for once.