Eardley closing in on century

WALES defender Neal Eardley is poised to clock up a century of appearances for Athletic at the age of only 19.

Eardley was handed his debut in Ronnie Moore’s last game as manager and has been a fixture in the side ever since.

The Llandudno-born full-back – thought to be Athletic’s youngest ever captain when he deputised for Sean Gregan last season – played his 98th club match on Saturday.

Eardley doesn’t celebrate his 20th birthday for another two months, but he is also a regular under-21 and full international.




ATHLETIC’S reserves boast a record of played one, won one – and they have matched their tally of victories for the whole of last season.



Coach Lee Duxbury was forced to use all manner of weakened teams during a miserable campaign, and he is right behind the decision to pull out of league action this year.

Duxbury said: “We’re competing in three different cups and there will be lots of friendlies, so it should work out well.

“Last season we were in a league with sides like Leicester and Derby, but with our small squad and all the injury strife it was very difficult.

“The young lads who were playing weren’t good enough and you don’t get anything out of games by losing them 7-0.

“The players weren’t enjoying it and neither was I, but this year we can ring up clubs and arrange games at the drop of a hat.”

Duxbury’s team play Derby tomorrow night in the Central League Cup. Kick-off is 7pm and the venue is Alfreton Town.




DESPITE falling behind, Athletic’s youth team enjoyed an impressive 4-1 league win against Preston North End.



Aaron Chalmers equalised before Liam Dawson (penalty), Ryan Brooke and Chris Rowney completed the turnaround.

Coach Tony Philliskirk said: “We’ve started the season well and I’m especially pleased that we’ve scored eight goals from setpieces in our first two games.”

Meanwhile, Athletic trainee Phillip McGrath has joined up with Northern Ireland’s under-17 squad for their matches in Sweden this week.




FANS are reminded that under-16 season-ticket holders can gain free admission to Saturday’s North-West derby at Tranmere.



They must be accompanied by a full-paying adult, and tickets can be bought and collected from Boundary Park – the offer will not apply at the turnstile.