Latics on the right track

John Sheridan

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan was grateful to his side getting the run-around at times by a classy Girona outfit, promising his squad will be ready and armed with new additions in time for the season opener against Oxford.

A late consolation goal from the penalty spot by Courtney Duffus gave some joy to home supporters in a 2-1 defeat to Catalan opponents who went two-up early in the game.

Still hunting down a new first-choice goalkeeper - German trialist Niklas Bolten acquitted himself well again between the posts, in Sheridan's view, but he's seen more as a potential back-up - Athletic were without Paul Green (Achilles), Brian Wilson (Achilles), Dan Gardner (knee) and Darius Osei (hamstring) last night.

There is one more friendly left, at home against Manchester United's second string on Tuesday night (7.30pm kick-off) before the Sky Bet League One action gets under way in earnest.

"It was a tough game for us, which I am very pleased about," said Sheridan.

"They were technically very good.

"They moved us around and after the first 20 minutes, when they got the goals, we gradually got into the game.

"I am not too bothered about the result. It was a good shift for us and we are not going to play against many sides who move the ball as they did.

"We could have defended better for the goals, but we plugged away and created one or two openings for ourselves.

"We have to be ready for Oxford and by then we will be a lot stronger and more organised.

"I played different formations in both halves and whether I play 3-5-2 at home when the season starts, I don't know.

"I thought I would put one or two in to see where we are. We have a few players who are injured, but they are all coming on and I don't think they are too serious.

"We will have two more players in for Oxford. I have spoken again to people and I'm very confident they will be here by next week.

"Whoever I am after, they have been training and playing for their clubs anyway. I am hoping our injured players will be back and I'm pleased with the way pre-season has gone."

Athletic fielded former Hull and Ipswich midfielder Cameron Stewart in a second half that also featured an un-named foreign trialist in midfield who caught Sheridan's eye.

"I'm not sure if he is fit, but technically he's a decent little player and he did well in the second half," he said of the mystery man.

"We are looking at Cameron. I know what he can do and it's about fitness.

"The lads have just turned up for the game and it's difficult, but they both did ok."