Morale-booster for Williams
Reporter: Michael Yarwood's weekly Latics round up
Date published: 04 November 2008
STRIKER David Williams marked his first start for over 18 months with a goal for Athletic’s youth team.
Williams, who was released by Manchester United after a spell plagued by injuries, moved to Boundary Park over the summer and is now being eased into action.
He netted from a rebound as Athletic beat Bury, although Tony Philliskirk’s side had to wait until the last 20 minutes before clinching their win.
They swept from 1-1 to 4-1 thanks to further goals by Tom Eaves (2) and Ryan Brooke.
Athletic’s youngsters are set to embark on their latest adventure in the FA Youth Cup.
They are away to Fleetwood tomorrow night in round one of the country’s most prestigious youth tournament.
Last season Athletic reached the third round – at which point the bigger clubs enter – and put up a good fight before losing 1-0 to Sheffield United.
ADVANCE tickets are available for the FA Cup first-round tie at Cheltenham on Saturday.
They cost £18 (adults), £11 (over-65s) or £7 (under-16s) from Boundary Park, while payment on the day will be £2 more.
On-loan Craig’s winning start
THE four senior players loaned out by Athletic had mixed fortunes over the weekend.
Craig Davies, JP Kalala, John Thompson and Chris O’Grady were all in league action, with Davies making his Stockport debut.
The striker was Athletic’s top scorer last season and later signed a contract extension to 2010, but he is without a goal so far this term.
Davies played for 82 minutes as Stockport beat Carlisle 3-0 to move level on points with Athletic.
Midfield man Kalala was handed his second debut for Grimsby, where he began his English career three years ago.
He celebrated with a goal in his first game since March, but Grimsby lost at home to Darlington and remain without a win all season.
Davies and Kalala have both agreed deals until January, but Thompson and O’Grady are coming to the end of their initial loans at Notts County and Bury.
Both have made five appearances, and they were in direct competition on Saturday when Bury won 1-0 at Meadow Lane.
