Mossley completed their pre season program as they came up against a strong Oldham Athletic reserve side which included several players with first team experience as well as new signings Kevin Charlton (Norwich City) and Moussa Dabo (Paris St Germain). The Lilywhites meanwhile were without the injured Nicky Thompson, Terry Bowker, Steve Burke, Anthony Bingham and James Tyrell-Nestor along with holidaying Martin Allison.

Mossley gave a trial to left sided player Paul Collins (recently released by Manchester City) who has just completed a trial with Mansfield Town. However, he was replaced at the interval by another trialist, former Huddersfield Town academy player Chris Evans.

Oldham dominated most of the game with some fine long passing football but actually created relatively few chances. Mossley keeper Danny Trueman was called into action to make two fine first half saves but perhaps could have done better with the game's only goal on 34 minutes. A cross from the right was headed down powerfully by Oldham centre forward Peter Shaw and the ball somehow squirmed uinder Trueman's body.

The Mossley custodian made up for his error in the second half with two further excellent saves. At the other end Mossley really made little impression although Smith had to make a smart save to deny Paul Garvey after he was slipped through by Chris Downey. The Lilywhites attacks were otherwise sporadic on this occasion.