Radcliffe host a second National League side within a week in Oldham Athletic, as Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men look to test themselves ahead of the club’s debut in the sixth tier of English football.
The management duo were impressed with Tuesday night’s showing against Halifax Town, Jonno highlighted the defensive effort and work rate from the squad in his post-match interview, as well as being pleased with the number of chances created by the Boro but also challenging the side to be more ruthless in front of goal.
Saturday’s match against Oldham gives the side another tough test, both sets of players will be looking to impress their managers to earn a spot in the starting eleven when the season’s opener comes on the 10th of August, which is just two weeks away.
The Opposition
Last campaign, Oldham finished tenth in the National League, 8 points off the final play-off spot, a slight improvement on the 2022/23 season which saw the former football league side finish in 12th.
The 2024/25 season is Micky Mellon’s first pre-season with the Latics, and has so far made good use of the time available having added the likes of Reagan Ogle from Scunthorpe United, and Harry Charsley from Newport County.
The National League outfit have had a mixed bag of results so far in pre-season with two defeats against fellow non-league opposition, however they will have taken plenty of positives from a victory against League Two champions Stockport County and a goalless draw with League One Lincoln City.
Including Radcliffe, the Latics have three games left to get minutes into the legs of key players ahead of Braintree Town’s visit to Boundary Park. Oldham fans will want to see a strong end to pre-season as their side has not taken three points on the opening day since the 2013/14 season, when the now Everton centre back James Tarkowski was on the scoresheet.
When The Sides Last Met
Two years ago, the two teams met in a pre-season friendly as John Sheridan’s side got the better of Bobby Grant’s Radcliffe squad.
All three of the goals were scored in the opening 45 minutes of play as Chris Porter opened the scoring for the Latics after just three minutes. The forward nodded home a trialist’s free kick, his second spell at Boundary Park would later come to an unfortunate end after just three matches due to an injury.
Jake Thompson levelled the game in the 33rd minute as the winger latched onto Jem Karacan’s delightful through ball, for his first goal in Radcliffe colours.
Five minutes before half-time, an Oldham trialist rolled into Tom Stewart’s goal after a number of deflections saw the ball land infront of the player to slot home.
Ones To Watch
Reagan Ogle will be one to watch should Oldham choose to give the defender minutes as he continues his return from a minor injury. The summer signing impressed at Scunthorpe and picked up both Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year in his first season with the Iron before signing a two-year deal at Boundary Park. He’s able to line up on the right or left of defence and will likely prove to be an exciting watch as he goes head-to-head with Radcliffe’s skilful wingers.
Harry Charsley is another player who could play an important role for the Latics across the course of the upcoming campaign. The midfielder joined up with the National League outfit at the beginning of July despite having interest from football league sides. At 27, he’s racked up over 100 appearances in League Two with multiple clubs, he’ll now face a Radcliffe side who like to dictate the tempo in games and will be important in helping the Step One side maintain control of the game.
Matchday Information
Date: 27/07/24
Time: 3pm
Location: Neuven Stadium
Adult: £10
Concession: £7
U16: Free
Tickets are available online here!
Season Tickets are still available to purchase ahead of our National League campaign here, every Season Ticket Holder gains free entry to both of our remaining home pre-season fixtures.
Can’t Attend The Game?
Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:55pm.
