Oldham Athletic will play a pre-season friendly against Dukinfield Town. The fixture is part of the Latics' preparations for the upcoming League Two season, which begins in August.
The match against the North West Counties League side is scheduled for Saturday, July 18. Kick-off is set for 3pm at Dukinfield Town's home ground, The Astley Sports Village. This will be one of several warm-up games for Oldham as they build fitness and tactical understanding ahead of the competitive action.
Playing local non-league opposition is a common part of pre-season for EFL clubs. It provides a physical test against motivated players while allowing managers to experiment with formations and give minutes to the full squad. For Dukinfield Town, hosting a professional side like Oldham is a significant occasion and a valuable source of revenue.
Oldham are preparing for another season in League Two, where they will aim to improve on last term's 14th-place finish. The club has seven points from six games in the current campaign, with a record of two wins, one draw and three defeats. Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses from the last five outings.
Manager Micky Mellon is expected to use the friendly to assess his squad, including any new signings. The club has been active in the transfer market, with several players arriving and departing. The full squad list for the new season is taking shape. Friendlies also offer a chance for players returning from injury to build match sharpness.
Admission details for the match are expected to be announced by Dukinfield Town in the coming days. The focus is on performance and fitness rather than the result, though a positive display against lower-league opposition is always the aim.
For Oldham supporters, the game represents a first chance to see the team in action ahead of the new season. It follows a period of change at Boundary Park, with the club looking to build momentum. The Latics' next competitive match is their League Two opener, the date and opponent for which is confirmed on the official fixtures page. The friendly against Dukinfield Town is a key step in those preparations.
