Young guns improve at the back

ATHLETIC were held to a goalless draw at Bury in the North-West Conference of the Football League Youth Alliance.

In an exciting finish to a match played in awful conditions, Athletic’s Djeny Bembo-Leta hit the underside of the bar with a shot while Jack Laird had a volley blocked on the goalline.

Athletic produced a much-improved defensive display after leaking goals at an alarming rate in recent matches.

Athletic, who played schoolboys Laird and Ryan Hopper, had the better of the play in the first half.

Bury came back strongly in the second, but Athletic’s back line held firm and they almost snatched victory at the death.

Athletic are at home to league leaders Preston North End at Chapel Road on Saturday (11am).