Baxter on target in Athletic victory

Jose Baxter was on target at Hurst Cross last night

Athletic eased to a 3-1 victory in their opening pre-season friendly fixture at Ashton United last night (Tuesday).

Frankie Bunn’s matchday squad featured a number of trialists, but it was experienced campaigner Peter Clarke who fired the visitors to Hurst Cross ahead after just five minutes.

One of the trialists listed on Athletic’s teamsheets was Jonathan Benteke, who was with the club last season, and he made it 2-0 after 54 minutes.

Recent re-signing Jose Baxter – on as a second-half substitute – made it 3-0 to Athletic with 14 minutes to go.

Baxter limped off minutes later, but confirmed post-match that it was nothing serious.

The Robins grabbed themselves a late consolation goal from the penalty spot.

Athletic’s next pre-season game is on Saturday away at Curzon Ashton (3pm kick-off).