Philip is a super-sub

LATICS ROUND-UP:

PHILIP McGrath came off the substitutes’ bench to transform the fortunes of Athletic's youth team at the weekend.

The winger, who had played a full game for the reserves three days earlier, was introduced with his team a goal down to Walsall and with little more than a quarter of the match to go.

But such was his impact that Athletic were 3-1 up 10 minutes later.

First-year trainee Andrew Crompton, who has enjoyed a good season, netted the first off a long throw and Tony Philliskirk's side edged in front thanks to Will McCall's strike direct from a free-kick.

Matthew A Carr made it 3-1 when he curled one in from 18 yards and although Walsall pulled a goal back with a penalty, McGrath sealed a 4-2 victory with a terrific goal on the counter-attack.

Athletic's youngsters are without a league fixture on Saturday and Philliskirk is currently trying to arrange a friendly.