Ryan adamant over hat-trick

RYAN BROOKE was at the centre of a goal dispute as Athletic defeated Walsall 3-1 at Chapel Road in the North-West Conference of the Puma Youth Alliance.

The teenager was credited with a hat-trick, but team-mate Laquan Esdaile claims he produced the final touch for the first goal.

Chris Rowney’s corner on the stroke of half-time was flicked towards goal by Brooke, who insisted the ball crossed the line before Esdaile’s intervention.

There was no doubt about Brooke’s second goal after the restart when he cut in from the left and fired a shot across the ’keeper from the edge of the penalty area.

Walsall halved the deficit with a goal on the break before both sides were reduced to 10 players, Athletic’s Liam Dawson and an opponent being dismissed for fighting.

Athletic ’keeper Josh Ollerenshaw made a brilliant save to prevent Walsall making it 2-2.

And Brooke sealed Athletic’s victory with two minutes left when he showed great footwork to beat two opponents and find the net with a fine finish.