Youth side boost

GOALS from Tom Eaves, Philip McGrath and Andrew Crompton gave Athletic's youth a team a 3-1 win at Accrington Stanley.

On a small pitch made awkward by patches of ice, the team were forced to battle their way to three points against a side second-bottom of the North-West Conference in the Football League Alliance.

Great play from Djeny Bembo-Leta created the opener which Eaves headed in and though Accrington equalised almost straight from the resulting kick-off, Nicky Zaicevs crossed for McGrath to put Athletic back in front on the stroke of half-time.

From then on, the visitors dominated and could have scored more, but had to settle for Crompton's goal which came on the back of good work from Kirk Millar, returning from a problem with ankle ligaments.

Eighth-placed Athletic are at home to Walsall on Saturday at Chapel Road (11am kick-off).