Opening run-out ticks the boxes

Photo: Alan Howarth

RYAN Leonard drills home Athletic's opening goal

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A WELL-TAKEN goal from former Athletic scholar Ryan Leonard and a rarity of an Ousmane Fane strike were the highlights to take from an easy-paced first run-out of pre-season at Stalybridge Celtic.

Manager John Sheridan passed charge of the contest at Bower Fold to assistant Tommy Wright and first-team coach Richie Wellens, though Athletic's boss was still stationed in the dug-out to watch a decent second-half effort from his son Jay Sheridan in the 4-1 victory.

Essentially a reserve-team outing for Athletic, the only senior players on show over the age of 20 were Cameron Dummigan, Tope Obadeyi, new signing Dan Gardner and Darius Osei.

Athletic fielded five trialists, all in the starting XI: Goalkeeper Kamil Grabara; defender Tariq Fishley; and midfielders Leonard, James O'Halloran and Max Allen.

Starting in a 3-5-2 formation, with Fishley, George Edmundson and Jamie Stott at the back flanked by wing-backs in the impressive Kallum Mantack and left-footed O'Halloran, Athletic began well and fashioned chances for Obadeyi and a first-time Allen drive.

Grabara - whose distribution impressed - was rarely tested but did have his palms warmed by Paul Ennis from a narrow angle.

Wright was a vocal presence from the technical area and urged Athletic to move the ball more quickly.

And it was from a swift attack that the first goal originated after 32 minutes. The ball was crossed from the left flank and arriving with a well-timed run, Leonard - training with the first team to try to win a professional contract following an injury-ravaged year - issued a well-struck and composed effort across goal and in off the post with his right foot from 18 yards out.

Three minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Obadeyi cut inside to see his initial shot saved by Celtic goalkeeper Lewis King, but the quick-footed forward scuffed home the rebound.

Athletic made six changes at half-time and extended the lead to 3-0 when Fane turned, decided to lash in a decent shot from 25 yards and surprised the Celtic 'keeper enough that he allowed the ball to bounce in front of him and pass high into his top-right corner.

Celtic pulled one back when Sam Thomas capped a neat move that cut Athletic open down their left in the 64th minute.

Former £750,000 Derby County signing Liam Dickinson moved from up front to centre-back in the second half for the hosts and was among an inquest when Athletic got their fourth.

Dan Gardner, on at half-time, played in a deep play-making role and set Osei free with a defence splitting pass. In the clear with plenty of time to ponder where to put it, the ex-Stalybridge striker slotted calmly under the goalkeeper's dive to his left.

Of the trialists, Leonard and O'Halloran showed up well and Allen displayed neat touches.

It's too early to read much into performances, but there was little to grumble about for Athletic here.

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