Barnoldswick Town brought their pre-season schedule to a close on Wednesday night - against a familiar face.
Town took on Wigan Athletic’s Under 21 side at the Silentnight Beds Stadium, with Marko Marosi, who featured for Barlick last season, in goal for the Latics after earning a professional contract with the FA Cup winners.
The 19-year-old signed a one-year deal in May, having impressed on trial over the second half of the season.
Roberto Martinez handed him the good news before he left to take over the reins at Everton, and Marosi said: “The manager said I deserved it, that I’d come a long way.
“It’s brilliant, it’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
Town went down 5-2 against Wigan.
Latics captain Danny Redmond opened the scoring after a dazzling dribble and clever finish, before Rakish Bingham doubled the lead at close range.
Barnoldswick grabbed one back soon after when a throughball found Aaron Hollindrake, who placed the ball under Marosi.
Redmond added his second from the penalty spot just before half-time.
After the break substitute Ryan Jennings netted with a smart effort into the bottom corner, but again Town replied, when a one-touch passing move saw Hollindrake feed Danny Boyle, who thumped in from close range.
Latics’ three goal lead was soon restored when Bingham supplied Jennings with his second of the night.
On Saturday, Town beat AFC Fylde 2-0 on the coast, having lost their previous three friendly outings against Northwich Victoria, Curzon Ashton and neighbours Nelson.
Town earlier beat Haslingden St Mary’s and Thackley, having started their build-up with a draw with Lostock St Gerard’s.
The club have seen striker Mark Threlfall join EvoStik First Division North side Clitheroe, while Spencer and Lewis Jordan, and Liam Blades, left to join Padiham.
Town start the season at home to Maine Road tomorrow (kick-off 3 p.m.), before a trip to the newly-renamed Bacup and Rossendale Borough on Wednesday.