Taylor makes early running
Reporter: Michael Yaarwood’s weekly Latics round up
Date published: 19 August 2008
IT’S very early days, but Athletic’s Chris Taylor can still take pride in being the top goalscorer in Coca-Cola League One.
Taylor’s three strikes in the opening two matches — including superb efforts against both Millwall and Leeds — have put him ahead of the field.
A host of players are behind him on two, including team-mate and fellow winger Andy Liddell.
Taylor, formerly of Springhead FC and Saddleworth School, is gaining reward for his promising early-season form.
EX-BOUNDARY PARK captain Chris Swailes is enjoying a surprise late flourish to his career.
Swailes (37), who was plagued by injury throughout his 18 months with Athletic, is now sitting on top of the Scottish Premier League.
The centre-back has helped newly promoted Hamilton Academical to win their first two games, putting them ahead of Rangers on goals scored.
Swailes played only 19 games for Athletic but has fought back from a serious heel problem.
ATHLETIC are not involved in a reserve league this season, but they have arranged a series of cup games.
And the first test for Lee Duxbury’s side will be against Manchester City at Boundary Park tomorrow in the Manchester Senior Cup (7pm kick-off).
Athletic decided to withdraw from the Pontin’s League in favour of arranging a reserve-team programme to suit their own needs.
They are competing in three different cups and will also play friendlies against a good standard of opposition.
Last term was difficult as Athletic’s chronic run of injuries meant Duxbury often struggled to raise a team — at times he was using schoolboys against players with great experience.
The reserves managed only one victory in 22 league games and ended their campaign with 10 consecutive defeats.
Athletic are likely to fix up regular friendlies as they have a large squad to keep fit and active, while they could also send some of their younger players out on loan.
In addition to tomorrow’s Manchester City clash, they will meet Derby away on September 3 (Central League Cup, 2pm kick-off), Bury at home on September 17 (Manchester Senior Cup, 2pm), Bolton at home on September 30 (Manchester Senior Cup, 7pm), Mansfield at home on October 8 (Central League Cup, 2pm) and Walsall away on November 18 (Central League Cup, 7pm).
