On Thursday night, the Latics legends rolled back the years in their clash with Ashton Athletic at Brocstedes Park, by earning a superb 4-1 victory to delight the watching spectators.

Players from several eras joined together for the evening, and the signs were good early on as Stuart Barlow caused mayhem using his pace to latch on to through balls. Indeed, it was from this source that Latics took the lead, with Barlow deftly chipping the keeper. The lead did not last for long however, as a superb 25 yard free kick found the top corner to draw Ashton level.

However, Latics took a lead in to half time, Barlow again using his pace to put him through to slot home. There were several strong first half performances, notably those of David Hamilton, defensive pair John Robertson and captain Peter Atherton, wide man Neil Rimmer, whilst Andy Ainscough proved an ideal foil up front for Barlow.

The second half start much as the first had ended with further chances for Latics, but it was not until late in the game that confusion in the Ashton defence saw the Ashton keeper smash a clearance into a defender and the ball flew in to the net. The match was over when Barlow then made a move in the left hand channel and squared for the ball to be cracked home from close range.

The evening ended with Atherton being presented with the Peter Caterall memorial trophy in the Clubhouse with all present agreeing that it had been a succesful evening.