Youngsters in a goal rush

ATHLETIC’S youngsters recorded a thumping 8-3 victory at Morecambe in the North-West Conference of the Football League Youth Alliance.

While Athletic were an irresistible force going forward, head of youth Tony Philliskirk was concerned with the defence which leaked three more goals.

Athletic established a 2-0 lead after 12 minutes in which they also had three goals disallowed.

Irish teenager Kirk Millar fired them ahead after only 25 seconds when he followed up after his initial shot struck a post.

Athletic doubled their advantage with a Matty Carr header, but three further efforts – two of which came from Tom Eaves – were ruled out.

Athletic’s defence was caught out by a ball over the top as Morecambe halved the deficit.
It was only a temporary setback, though, as Athletic quickly added two more goals.

Millar smashed home a flick from a corner and Phillip McGrath found the net with a spectacular free-kick.

Morecambe scored a second goal shortly before half-time, but Athletic were quick off the blocks in the second half and were soon 8-2 ahead.

McGrath smashed home another unstoppable shot, Eaves burst clear before toe-poking home, James Tarkowski headed in the seventh from McGrath’s inswinging corner, and Leeroy Chinthengah completed the rout when he tapped home a Millar effort which would have crossed the line.

Morecambe scored a third goal late on as Athletic’s defence switched off.

n ATHLETIC are away to Rochdale on Saturday (11am).

The match is due to take place at non-league Rossendale, but there is a chance the venue could be switched.