Oldham Athletic in narrow pre-season defeat to Stockport

Micky Mellon's side came into this one on the back of successive defeats to higher league opponents after losses to Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town, and would have been hoping to avoid another loss.

That wasn't to be, though, and despite showing flashes of promise, it was another frustrating result for the home side.

After a cagey first half, the visitors broke the deadlock on the hour-mark through Malik Mothersille.

With Latics pushing for an equaliser, Mike Fondop's red card for a late challenge on the Stockport keeper ended the match as a contest.

There was added agony for Oldham, with forward Jack Stevens having to be stretchered off in the first half with what looked to be a nasty knee injury.

Despite Stockport controlling possession in the opening period, neither side were able to fashion any clear-cut chances in the opening period.

The visitors came closest, forcing a close-range save from Latics keeper Mathew Hudson.

But with opportunities at a premium, the half-time score was goalless, which reflected the balance of the game.

After the break, Oldham started strongly and forced a series of corners, but were unable to convert that pressure into chances.

Stockport then went close through Ryan Rydel, who fizzed a low effort past the far post from a narrow angle.

The visitors then began to take control, and it wasn't long before Mothersille popped up to open the scoring.

A well-worked move saw the Stockport replacement find space at the back post, tapping home from close range.

Mothersille was almost in again shortly after, forcing an incredible reflex save from Latics keeper Hudson to keep his side in the game.

Oldham were looking for an equaliser, and came close when a Trialist fired a long-range effort towards the Stockport goal.

But hopes of a comeback would soon be dashed when Oldham striker Mike Fondop saw red for a late challenge on the County keeper.

After being reduced to 10 men, Latics struggled to get out of their half and found themselves under increasingly more pressure.

However, they stood firm at the back and prevented Stockport from grabbing a second goal.

A solid second-half debut for Sheffield United loanee Zain Tahir will have given Latics fans some consolation.

The 19-year-old defender looked composed and helped keep Stockport out despite a late bombardment.

Several chances fell to the visitors in the closing stages, but some robust defending kept it at 1-0.

There was little to speak of in terms of action in the final minutes, with Stockport in full control and Oldham unable to gain possession after going a man down.

The red card changed the game completely, and will no doubt have frustrated Latics boss Mellon.

His side looked good in moments, but lacked the quality needed to break down their higher league opposition.

It finished 1-0 to Stockport County, with Oldham now turning their attention towards Saturday's final pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.

Oldham Athletic line-up: Hudson, Scott-Morris, Robson, Daniels, Monthe, Appiah-Forson, Norburn, Kavanagh, Stevens, Nevitt, Hammond.

Substitutes: Wilson, Pett, Fondop, Chilvers, Drummond, Sutton, Woods, Tahir, Hawkes, Delaney, Trialist.

Stockport County line-up: Whatmuff, Bate, Pye, O'Connell, Diamond, Norwood, Edun, Glover, Wood, Wooton, Gordon.

Substitutes: O'Shea, Gardner, Dodgson, Bailey, Mothersille, Rydel, Fiorini, Andresson, Adigun, Moxon, Osborn, Dialundama, Illara.

Referee: Sunny Singh Gill.

Attendance: Not disclosed.