Youth v experience

TONY Philliskirk's youngsters have been drawn to play Stalybridge Celtic at home in the first round of the FA Youth Cup.

Boundary Park won't be unfamiliar to the visitors when they arrive on Monday, November 9 (7pm), as Celtic have six former Athletic prospects on their books.

Athletic will have to be on their mettle against a Stalybridge outfit who have beaten Wrexham and Altrincham in the qualifying rounds.

Admission will cost £4 for adults and £2 for under-16s and senior citizens.

Athletic lost 4-2 at top-of-the-table Preston in the North-West Conference of the Football League Youth Alliance.

After going 1-0 down despite being well on top, Athletic equalised through Andy Crompton before half-time.

A pair of goalkeeping errors left Athletic 3-1 down and though Crompton pulled one back straight from the kick-off, a late Preston goal sealed the points.