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Bradford City 1 Oldham Athletic 0

Gavin Browne
4/ 8/2008

OMAR Daley's first-half goal meant Latics were beaten in their final pre-season game before the start of the new season.

The winger struck moments before half-time at the Coral Windows Stadium as Athletic flattered to deceive against their hosts.

Fielding arguably most of this Saturday's starting XI against Millwall, Latics boss John Sheridan still used the game to have a look at on-trial left-back John Hills.

While comfortable in possession and a good crosser of the ball, Hills struggled to cope with Daley's pace and it was little surprise when he did not emerge for the second period.

Chris O'Grady twice fired off target in the opening quarter-hour as Athletic had the better of the possession, but there were signs of indecision from set pieces at the other end.

One such scramble ended anxiously for Sheridan's side with skipper Sean Gregan receiving lengthy treatment before returning to action.

At the other end, Deane Smalley was Latics' main goalscoring threat, using his height to attack crosses at the far post. Smalley thundered one cross against the woodwork before a second header brought a fine save from City goalkeeper Rhys Evans.

The only goal of the game came when Daley outpaced Hills onto nothing more than a hopeful punt out of defence. Cutting infield, Daley unleashed a shot which looked more likely to reach Bradford town centre than the back of the net, only for a fortunate ricochet to give him the ball back and allow him to beat Mark Crossley from seven yards.

Having made three changes at half-time - and five in total - Sheridan saw his side lack a cutting edge despite Andy Liddell's best efforts.  The veteran, one of those half-time replacements, was Latics' busiest player going forward without any reward for his endeavours - other than the manager's praise that is.

Danny Whitaker missed Latics' best chance, stretching to reach Kevin Maher's cross, but firing the ball over the bar.

Crossley was forced to deny Luke O'Brien at the other end as the game  fizzled out, leaving both sides contemplating the start of the serious business this weekend.

Latics: Crossley, Eardley (Lomax 68), Hazell, Gregan, Hills (Phillips 46), Smalley (Liddell 46), Allott, Maher, Taylor, O'Grady (Whitaker 46), Davies (Alessandra 60). Subs not used: Fleming, Stam, Stephens