Kidnapped Sahil invited to watch match

BOUNDARY PARK LIFE: SAHIL Saeed may visit Boundary Park to watch Athletic.

That is the hope of club officials who extended an invitation to the kidnapped youngster – now reunited with his family in Shaw – to attend the Brighton match.

Seized at his grandmother's home in Jhelum, Pakistan, Sahil and his father only arrived back on Thursday night and that is why Saturday’s invitation was turned down.

"I have spoken to the family's representative who thought it best if they stayed together as a family over the weekend," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.

"However, I was told that they hope to accept our invitation in the near future."


Defeat is tough on youngsters

ATHLETIC'S youth team suffered a 2-0 defeat at Wrexham in the Football League Alliance North-West Conference.

There was nothing in the game until the halfway mark, with Will McCall going close to opening the scoring when he had his free-kick cleared off the line.

Five minutes after the break, the Welsh side went a goal up with a header from a corner.

Athletic made three substitutions and a change of system tipped the balance the visitors' way.

McCall's deflected cross struck the inside of a post, Richard Cowan and Jack Laird had efforts blocked and Laquan Esdaile put a free header wide from eight yards.

Wrexham sealed victory late on with a goal on the break as Athletic chased an equaliser.

The youth team have no game this weekend, having been due to play Chester City, who have gone out of business with this season's records expunged.



IF you thought David Eyres had played his last game in an Athletic shirt, think again.

The legendary winger, now 46, has signed on for D and J Builders (North West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League side Rifle Range Royal Blues, who are currently top of division two.

Eyres is set to make his debut for Rifle Range — who play in replica Athletic kit — against Oldham United on Sunday, April 18, at Clayton Playing Fields.