Hot-shot hero

TEENAGE hot-shot Tom Eaves was Athletic’s hat-trick hero as they defeated Rochdale 4-2 at Chapel Road in the North-West Conference of the Football League Youth Alliance.

The striker took his season’s tally to 11 goals in eight competitive youth-team matches.

Eaves headed Athletic in front from a Matty Carr cross only for Rochdale to equalise before the break.

Djeny Bembo-Leta put Athletic 2-1 ahead, picking up a loose ball in the centre of midfield before advancing and powering home an unstoppable shot from outside the penalty area.

Eaves then fluffed two chances when clean through on goal and Athletic were punished as Rochdale made it 2-2 following some poor defending.

Athletic had it all to do, but they raised their game and sealed victory through two headed goals from Eaves.

His first, from 12 yards, followed a right-wing cross by Connor Hughes, while the second, from Dave Mellor’s free-kick, was a back header from the edge of the penalty area which looped over the ’keeper.

Athletic are away to league leaders Preston North End on Saturday (kick-off 11am).