Trophy date for Latics

SHREWSBURY will visit Boundary Park in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round on Tuesday, August 31 (7.45pm kick-off).

Npower League Two outfit Shrewsbury have made an excellent start to the season, winning three matches in a row including a memorable home triumph over Charlton of League One in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Graham Turner’s side trailed 3-0 at one stage, before storming back to win 4-3.

Athletic’s recent record in the competition is poor. Since reaching the

northern area final in 2005, when Wrexham claimed a victory over two legs to reach Wembley, they have failed to win a single home tie and haven’t progressed past the second round in five attempts.

Last season, an early Danny Whitaker strike wasn’t enough to prevent Athletic going down 2-1 at home to Accrington in front of only 1,619 fans.

Admission prices for the game have yet to be set, with officials from both clubs in discussions today.



ATHLETIC’S reserves side are in action tonight, taking on Burnley at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold ground (7pm kick-off).

The game was originally designated as an away fixture, but has been switched.