KITCH HAUNTS FORMER PALS!

MARK KITCHING sank former club Stockport County to give Oldham Athletic a winning start in the first of seven pre-season friendlies.

- Tony Bugby

The left-sided Kitching struck in the opening minute as Latics claimed the scalp of opponents two divisions higher in the pyramid.

It was an encouraging start for Latics who play three EFL sides and four teams from lower leagues.

“We scored a goal, kept a clean sheet and won a pre-season match so it is only positive,” explained Latics’ manager Micky Mellon.

“It was a pleasing performance against a really good side which will be a strong League One outfit. It has been a good week.”

Mellon admitted he was apprehensive after a hard week’s training camp at St Andrew’s University in Scotland.