Reserves unlucky

ATHLETIC reserves were desperately unlucky to lose 2-1 at home against top-of-the-table Preston North End in the North-West Conference of the Football League Alliance.

First-year trainee Kirk Miller, recently signed from top Irish outfit Linfield, hit the inside of the post with a shot late on as Athletic went in search of a deserved equaliser.

After a recent spate of defeats, Athletic produced a much improved performance in which they were far more solid throughout the team.

Preston took the lead, but Athletic hit back when 16-year-old Miller levelled with a far post diving header following a left-wing cross from Phillip McGrath.

Athletic had two or three decent openings to go in front, but frailties at set-pieces — they allowed a free header from a corner — condemned them to defeat.

Athletic’s youngsters are in action at Burnley on Friday (2pm).