Athletic move to keep Scott
Reporter: Latics latest by TONY BUGBY
Date published: 18 February 2009
Scott Golbourne: Hoping to extend his stay with Athletic.
ATHLETIC are trying to extend the loan of left-back Scott Golbourne for the remainder of the campaign.
The 20-year-old’s initial one-month spell from Reading ends after Saturday’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at Yeovil, who lost 3-0 at Bristol Rovers last night.
Golbourne, a former England youth international, has proved a steadying influence in the back line and done so well that Athletic are keen for him to remain.
And the young player, who kicked off his career at Bristol City, is eager to stay and help Athletic in their bid for promotion.
Golbourne, who hasn’t featured at Reading, wanted to join Athletic to play regularly and he has started all five games since his arrival at Boundary Park.
Meanwhile, Athletic’s position in the league’s top six was strengthened without them kicking a ball.
Seventh-placed Leeds lost 2-0 at Hereford, while Tranmere were held 1-1 at home by Peterborough, leaving them five points behind Athletic.
Latics reserve-team coach Lee Duxbury was satisfied with last night’s workout, despite their 4-1 defeat against Bolton Wanderers in the Manchester Senior Cup.
Duxbury pointed out there was little to separate the two teams in general play but was disappointed with the goals Athletic conceded and their failure to take their chances at the opposite end.
The cup clash gave Athletic’s squad players a much-needed workout as this was only the second reserve-team match of 2009.
Andy Liddell, who is challenging for a recall to the starting line-up, enhanced his prospects with an impressive display on the right, providing excellent delivery from his crosses.
Danny Whitaker, squeezed out of the first-team midfield by Kevin Maher for the last two matches, scored Athletic’s goal and gave a timely reminder to watching assistant manager Tommy Wright that he is ready for a recall.
Another Athletic player to catch the eye was 16-year-old trainee central defender Laquan Esdaile-Biney, who was released by Manchester City last season.
