Latics’ stuttering start to summer

DEFENDER James Tarkowski in action against Barrow

ATHLETIC went down to a 2-0 loss at Barrow in their first pre-season friendly.

Former Latic Mike Pearson was on target from close range, and a David Mellor own goal sealed victory for the home team.

Paul Dickov’s side rarely threatened in a slow-paced encounter.

The Scot used a different set of 11 players in each half, including seven trialists.

While excitement for the new npower League One season is growing, Dickov is refusing to look past the curtain-raiser at home to Sheffield United on August 6.

He said: “The ambition is to win the first game against Sheffield United", said Dickov.

"It's a tough league, we knew that last year. We have done ever so well up until a point.

“I think the main thing is the club progresses and we move forward.

"We have got a lot of good, young kids here. We've got a lot of good players and hopefully we can add one or two.

"The biggest thing for me is to push on towards the top half of the table and progress from where we left off last year."

One man on his way back is Djeny Bembo, who has been given the green light to resume training after his recent injury setback.

The teenager has had stitches removed following his latest operation on an ankle injury.

He badly damaged and dislocated the ankle at the start of last season.

Head of sports medicine Jon Guy says Bembo will train with the striker this week as he steps up his return to the first team set-up.