Dynamic Latics

HANDFUL . . . Jonson Clarke-Harris surges forward.

New players hold their own against quality opposition
NO wonder manager Lee Johnson wore a broad smile after watching his fresh-faced, sharp Athletic teams take on Dinamo Bucharest in their opening pre-season warm-up fixture on Friday night.

The two separate sides, which played a half each at Leigh Sports Village – matched the Romanian giants stride for stride and were good value for a 2-2 draw.

All the new signings showed promise in front of around 400 travelling fans and, of the trialists, Anton Rodgers worked hard in midfield, as did Danny Racchi, while across the defence French right-back Issoumaila Dao slotted in well and young Latvian under-21 prospect Edijs Joksts was a solid presence in the middle.

Goalkeeper Robbie Thomson didn't get much chance to impress as, surprisingly, Bucharest rarely threatened, but there was dreadful luck for Senegalese hit-man Momar N'Diaye, who was carried off with a hamstring injury just five minutes after entering the fray.

Of the first-half team, new signings Sidney Schmeltz out wide and Jonson Clarke-Harris up the middle were a threat, while Jose Baxter worked tirelessly and Cristian Montano put in a lively performance which left Latics fans hoping that he can steer clear of injury this season.

In the second period, Charlie MacDonald scored a super goal just hours after signing for his new club on a permanent deal, while James Dayton and Kirk Millar shone with some dangerous runs.

Athletic looked comfortable from the off. Passes were slick and all players looked sharp.

The Englishmen went in front after 19 minutes. Rodgers - with Liverpool manager dad Brendan watching - played in Clarke-Harris and just as he was about to round goalkeeper Balgradean and slot home, he was tripped and Bolton referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot.

Baxter chipped his penalty-kick into the middle of the goal to make it 1-0.

Nica Cristian replied with a crisp finish to make it 1-1 after half-an-hour, but Athletic’s first-half team had suitably impressed in front of the live Romanian TV cameras.

There was a stuttering start to the second period and Marius Alexe made it 2-1 to Dinamo on the hour mark, but 10 minutes later MacDonald pounced to powerfully side-foot home from the edge of the box to deservedly even it up. Athletic are definitely off and running.