Youths in goalless opener

AN UNBEATEN pre-season was followed up by a scrappy goalless draw on the opening day of Athletic under-18s' new campaign.

Away to last season's section winners Mansfield, Tony Philliskirk's side edged the first half but were pinned back after that and were indebted to a strong defensive performance and some high-quality saves from goalkeeper Callum O'Neill when his services were called on.

Brendan Glackin, who has been involved with the first team during the summer, forced a very good save late on but a draw was a fair outcome after a resolute display from Athletic.

That point followed up two eye-catching 2-2 draws against Sunderland and Huddersfield.

For Philliskirk, whose side host Hartlepool in the second EFL Youth Alliance North-East section fixture on Saturday (noon kick-off), there is plenty more to come.

"We are undefeated across the summer but we also know that we have to be better in possession, " he said.

"That really is splitting hairs though. It will come in time and we definitely appear to be a resolute side this year, which is pleasing."